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PROCEEDINGS UPON THE 

UNVEILING OF THE 

STATUE OF 

BARON VON STEUBEN 

MAJOR GENERAL AND INSPECTOR GENERAL IN THE 

CONTINENTAL ARMY DURING THE 

REVOLUTIONARY WAR 

IN WASHINGTON, D. C, DECEMBER 7, 1910 

AND UPON THE 

PRESENTATION OF THE REPLICA TO 

HIS MAJESTY THE GERMAN EMPEROR 

AND THE GERMAN NATION 

IN POTSDAM, SEPTEMBER 2, 19U 



ERECTED BY THE CONGRESS OF 
THE UNITED STATES 



^ 



<^ COMPILED BY GEORGE H. CARTER 

AND PRINTED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE 
^- A ^irtJv^iAi JOINT COMMITTEE ON PRINTING 



"T!- 



c''^\i 



? 



AUTHORITY TO PRINT 



House Concurrent Resolution No. 3, Sixty-second Congress 
Passed, House, August 7, 1911; Senate, August 21, 1911 

Resolved by the House of Representatives {the Senate concurring) , That there 
shall be printed and bound in the form of eulogies, with accompanying illus- 
trations, seventeen thousand one himdred copies of the proceedings upon the 
unveiling of the statue of Baron von Steuben in Washington, December 
seventh, nineteen hundred and ten, of which five thousand shall be for the 
use of the Senate, ten thousand for the use of the House of Representatives, 
two thousand to be delivered to the National German- American Alliance for 
such distribution as said alliance may desire to make, and the remaining 
one hundred copies shall be boimd in full morocco and distributed through 
the Department of State to the descendants of Baron von Steuben and the 
speakers who took part in said celebration. 



House Concurrent Resolution No. 39, Sixty-second Congress 
Passed, House, March 26, 1912; Senate, April 2, 1912 

Resolved by the House of Representatives {the Senate concurring), That the 
concurrent resolution passed August twenty-first, nineteen himdred and 
eleven, providing for the printing of the proceedings upon the unveiling 
of the statue of Baron voN Steuben in Washington, December seventh, 
nineteen hundred and ten, be amended by adding the following sentence 
after the last word thereof: 

"There shall be included in the same volume, as herein provided for, the 
proceedings relating to the unveiling of the statue of Baron von Steuben 
in Berlin, September second, nineteen hundred and eleven; and this docu- 
ment shall be compiled and printed under the direction of the Joint Com- 
mittee on Printing." 



ILLUSTRATIONS 



Facing 

Baron von Steuben Monument, Lafayette Park, Wash- 
ington Frontispiece. 

The Steuben Statue Commission 8 

Mr. Albert Jaegers, the sculptor o 

Steuben Statue, Lafayette Park monument 14. 

"Mn,ITARY INSTRUCTION," GROUP ON LaFAYETTE PaRK MONUMENT. 

" Commemoration, " GROiTP on L'VFayette Park monument 

Steuben's AIDS-DE-CAMP, medallionon Lafayette Park monument. 15 

Hon. Richard Bartholdt, Member op Congress from Missouri. 19 

Dr. Charles J. He.xamer, of Philadelphia, President of the 
National German- American Alliance 20 

Count Johann Heinrich von Bernstorff, the German ambassa- 
dor to the United States 42 

Miss Helen Taft ^6 

His Excellency William Howard Taft, President of the United 
States 48 

Unveiling op the Steuben Monument, Lafayette Park, Wash- 
ington; President Tapt speaking r^ 

Maj. Gen. W. H. Carter, United States Army, grand marshal 
of the Steuben parade, Washington, December 7, 1910 55 

His Majesty William II, the German Emperor, King of Prus- 
sia, ETC , 68 

Scene at Potsdam presentation ceremonies. His Majesty Wil- 
liam II ACCEPTING THE Steuben replica from the American 

ENVOYS -2 

American envoys who presented the replica to the German 
Emperor — Hon. Richard Bartholdt, M. C, of Missouri, and 

Hon. Charles B. Wolffram, of New York y. 

Bronze replica of the Steuben Statue, Potsdam, Germany 82 

Steuben's log house in town of Steuben, near Remsen, N. Y. . 202 

Steuben's grave and monument, town of Steuben, N. Y 203 

Steuben's coat of arms 204 

Steuben memorial tablet in the German Evangelical Reformed 

Church, Sixty-eighth street, New York City 205 

Baron Steuben, prom a life painting by Ralph Earle, owned 

BY Mrs. Francis B. Austin, of Summit, N. J 208 

Gold snuff box presented to Steuben with the freedom of 
the City of New York; his gold watch and chain, and his 

knee buckles 210 

Steuben's service and dress swords and his gold-headed cane. . 211 
Liquor case and glasses which accompanied Steuben during 

the Revolutionary War 212 

Facsimile of Steuben's signature 213 



WASHINGTON AND STEUBEN 

(Letters from the " Steuben Papers'* in the New York Historical Society) 

Annapolis deer. 2;}d. 1783. 
My Dear Baron 

Altho' I have taken frequent Opportunities both in public and private, of 
Acknowledging yoiu" great Zeal Attention and Abilities in performing the 
duties of your Office: yet, I wish, to make use, of this last Moment of my public 
Life, to Signify in the strongest terms, my intire Approbation of your Conduct, 
and to express my Sense of the Obligations the public is under to you for your 
faithful, and Meritorious Services. 

I beg you will be convincd, my dear Sir, that I should rejoice , if it could ever 
be in my power, to serve you more essentially, than by expressions of regard and 
Affection — but in the mean time, I am persuaded you will not be displeased, 
with this farewell token, of my Sincere Friendship and Esteem for you — 

This, is the last letter I shall ever write, while I continue in the Service of my 

Country — the hour of my Resignation is fixed at twelve this day — after which, 

I shall iDecome a private Citizen on the Banks of the Potomack, where I shall be 

glad to embrace you, and testify the great Esteem and Consideration, with which, 

I am My Dear Baron 

Your most Obedt. and Affectn. 
Servt. 

(Signed) G". Washington. 

The Honble 
Major Genl. Baron de Steuben 



My Dear General 

The letter of December 23d which I have had the honor of receiving from 
Your Excellency, is the most honorable testimony which my services could 
have received. My first wish was to approve myself to Your Excellency, & in 
having obtained it, my happiness is complete. 

The Confidence Yoiu" Excellency was pleased to place in my integrity & 
ability gained me that of the army & of the United States Your approbation 
will secure it. 

A stranger to the language & customs of the Country, I had nothing to offer 
in my favor but a little experience & great good will to serve the United States; 
If my endeavours have succeeded I owe it to Your Excellency's protection, & 
it is a sufficient reward for me to know that I have been useful in Yoiu- Excel- 
lency's Operations which always tended to the good of Your country. 

After having studied the principles of the military art under Frederick, & 
put them in practice under Washington, after having deposited my sword 
under the same trophies of Victory with yours, & finally after having received 
thislastpublictestimonyof your esteem, there remains nothing for me to desire. 

Accept my sincere thanks. My dear General for the unequivocal proofs of 
your friendship which I have received since I had first the honor to receive 
your orders; & believe that I join my prayers to those of America for the preser- 
vation of your life, & for the increase of your felicity. With every sentiment 
of respect, I have the honor to be 
YoiU' Excellency's Obedient 

Steuben 
[Indorsed,] Copy to Gen. Washington, Jany 1784. 

6 



THE STATUE 

LAFAYETTE PARK 
WASHINGTON, D. C. 



THE STEUBEN STATUE COMMISSION" 

Created by act of Congress February 27. 1903, 



Hon. JACOB M. DICKINSON, 



SECRETARY OF WAR. 



Hon. GEORGE P. WETMORE, 



CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE LIBRARY OF THE SENATE. 



Hon. JAMES T. McCLEARY, 

CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE LIBRARY OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
OF THE FIFTY-SEVENTH CONGRESS. 



Col. spencer COSBY, United States Army, 

EXECUTIVE AND DISBURSING OFFICER. 

W. R. PEDIGO, 

SBCR^TARY. 



THE SCULPTOR. 

ALBERT JAEGERS. 




Hon. JACOB M.DICKINSON ; 

Secretary of War. \ 

Pres idin^ Officer g t \ 

-| Unveiling Ceremonies.r-i 



Chairrnan, 

Committee on the L ibrary. 

^ United States Senate.^ 




Hon JAMES TMECLEARY 

Chairman, \ 

Committee on the Library, 
-] House of Representatives.'-^ 



"Col spencer C05BY,US.A^ 
Executive and I 

Disbursing Officer. Jj 



The VaN SxEUBK/i Statue Co}\rwssmn. 



J 




MR. ALBERT JAEGERS, 
The sculptor. 



THE STATUE 

The act of Congress approved February 27, 1903, appro- 
priated the sum of $50,000 for procuring and erecting a 
statue of Frederick William Augustus Henry Ferdi- 
nand, Baron von Steuben, major general and Inspector 
General in the Continental Army. The act provided that 
this sum should be expended under the direction of a com- 
mission to be composed of the Secretary of War, the chair- 
man of the Committee on the Library of the Senate, and 
the chairman of the Committee on the Library of the House 
of Representatives of the Fifty-seventh Congress. 

In July, 1905, competition was invited for the statue, '*' 
and six artists submitted models in October, one of the 
competitors submitting two models. In December, 1905, 
the commission selected three of the models as satisfactory 
and requested the three artists to submit larger models of 
their figures for final selection. Only two of the artists 
entered the second competition, from which a final selec- 
tion was made in May, 1906. 

The commission, upon the advice of a committee of ex- 
perts headed by the late Augustus St. Gaudens, selected 
the model of the statue submitted by Albert Jaegers, of 
New York. On January 10, 1907, a contract was entered 
into by the commission with Mr. Jaegers for furnishing and 
erecting the monument at the northwest comer of Lafayette 
Park in Washington, D. C. 

In designing the monument the sculptor, with his asso- 
ciate architect, T. R. Johnson, consulted Cass Gilbert, the 
New York architect. Taking into consideration the loca- 
tion of the monument in Lafayette Park, they have brought 
it into harmony with the general scale and mass of the 
monuments already erected there, while adapting the design 
to the prevailing classic tendency of monumental works in 
the city. 

9 



lo Statue of Baron von Steuben 

The working model of the statue was completed in May, 
1907, and approved by the commission. In June, 1908, 
the model of one of the two bronze side groups was approved, 
and in December of the same year that of the second side 
group was approved. The full-size model of the statue 
was approved September i, 1909, and the bronze casting 
of it was received in Washington on April 30, 1910, and 
placed in the storehouse of public buildings and grounds for 
safe-keeping until the pedestal was ready to receive it. In 
June, 1 9 10, the full-size model of one of the two bronze 
side groups was approved, and on September 19, 1910, the 
full-size model of the second side group was approved by 
the commission. 

The foimdation for the pedestal was constructed in Sep- 
tember, and on October 24, 19 10, the setting of the granite 
of the pedestal was commenced. This work was completed 
in November, and the bronze statue and side groups were 
put in place dvu-ing that month. The mound around the 
base of the pedestal was inclosed with a granite coping, 
and new walks around the statue were constructed and 
paved with asphalt. 

All other necessary preparations for the unveiling cere- 
monies, such as issuing invitations, preparing the program, 
erecting and decorating stands, etc., were carried out by the 
office of Public Buildings and Grounds in charge of Col. 
Spencer Cosby, United States Army, and the statue was 
unveiled on December 7, 19 10. The speakers at the dedi- 
cation were the President, the German ambassador, the 
Hon. Richard Bartholdt, and Dr. Charles J. Hexamer, 
president of the National German-American Alliance. 
The grading and sodding of the grounds around the statue 
were finished in March, 191 1. Some finishing work was 
done in May, which practically completed the surround- 
ings of the monument. 

The amount expended to June 30, 191 1, on account of 
the construction of this statue was $49,640.39. The cost 
of unveiling and dedicating the statue was $2,500, which 



The Statue 1 1 



amount was appropriated in the sundry civil act approved 
June 25, 1910. 

SCULPTOR'S DESCRIPTION 

The following is the sculptor's description of the monu- 
ment: 

In the statue the general appears standing on an eminence inspecting the 
great maneuvers of 1778. He is heavily cloaked to endure the hardships of 
the rigorous winter campaign at Valley Forge. The sash is reminiscent of his 
service on the staff of Frederick the Great; his hand lightly at rest on the 
hilt of his sword, he is following with keen interest the unfolding movement 
of the troops. 

The group "Military instruction" represents Steuben's life work, the 
work for which this Nation honors and remembers him — the drilling and 
training of the American Army. An experienced warrior is shown instruct- 
ing a youth in the use of the sword. 

In the second group, "Commemoration," America is teaching youth to 
honor the memory of her heroes. A foreign branch is grafted into the tree 
of her national life. She welds to her heart the foreigner who has cast his 
life and fortune with the weal and woe of her people, embodying the idea 
of unity and fraternity of all nationalities under the guidance of a great 
Republic. 

The base of the monument is 21 feet 4 inches square, 2 
feet 4 inches in height, and rests on concrete footings 4 
feet in depth. The base supports a central shaft 17 feet 
4K inches in height, thus making the bronze figure stand 
on a pedestal 19 feet 4^^ inches from the grass mound at 
the base, which mound is 4 inches above the concreted 
base and 6 inches above the northwest edge of the encir- 
cling granite coping adjacent to the walk. The bronze 
statue measures 1 1 feet in height, making an over-all 
height of approximately 31 feet. 

The monument is made of Stony Creek granite, from the 
Connecticut shores of Long Island Sound. In color it has 
a decidedly pinkish tone enriched by variegated streaks 
of a darker hue. The effect of this granite is very much 
enhanced when wet, during rainy weather, seeming to give 
better support to the dark browns of the bronze statue 
above. The finish of the surface of the granite is that of 
a "fine tool cut." 



X2 Siaiue of BjtNm vtm Sieubea 

Tbt stax'-T *■: — ' *''^t two aDegarical figures on the side 
pedestaJs. • cml omaanenrs in relisi, and all let- 

tering are in bronze, of a -qnaiirj- in accordaace isith United 
States Gao^'ermnent specificaiians. 

l-OCATIOSs' or THE STATUE 

Tbe St^X"BEs: Miniuimwin is located at the northwest 
comer of Laiayerrte Part, iarrng ttp Connecticat Avenue, 
and is one of five cotcmetaorati^'e statnes "vrhjch have been 
erected in f'^^ park. The present arrangement of these 
naamnaents, placed one at the center and one at each 
comer of the park, has Tjeen the resnh; of circmnstance 
rather than of plan. Isi 1*91 the sratne to be erected to 
the memor;;' of Gen. Lafayette vas designed for a site 
fronting on Penns_vh'ania Avenue on the center line of the 
park. After the foundations were under construction a 
Strang protest saroat against interposing an}' •mnirnmrait 
itetveen the "White House and the statue of Gen. Jackson. 
vbiaL had held the piaca: of honor in the center of the 
park jiTivf 3*57. In consequence, a new site for the 
Lafaverte Monument was selected at the southeast corner 
of the park, where it would not distract attention from the 
statue of Gen. Jackson and yet occupy a commanding 
position on the Avenue. 

As ir: 't Ijeen expected, the necessity was at once 

felt for L ir statue to be placed at the southwest cor- 

ner xfi the park to complete tie archrtectntral balance of 
the composition as seen from the "^Miite House; and in 
1902 there was erected on that site the statue of Gen. 
jLochambeau. copatriot -with Lafayette in offering his 
sword to "^^'ashington, and participating -with him in the 
siege i.- jre of Torktown. 

Kevo. - -. -„_"v interest being thus established in this 
park, it seemed but a natural sequence that, when a statue 
•was to be erected to the memort- of the famous Polish 
patriot and general who ser\'ed vith the Americans in 
the iLe^'oiuiion, it should be atwfK'iHted iirith those of 



Tlu Statue 13 

Lafayette and Rochambeaa. Therefore the statue to 
Kosduszko, in 1910, was given a correspooding site at 
the northeast oxner of the park, leaviog bat the one site, 
at the northwest comer, unoccupied- 

To whom could this final site be more jtistly coosecrated 
than to the German nobleman who came to this coantXTr's 
assistance in 1777 and at a most cmcial time in its history 
accepted from Washington the post of Inspector General and 
worked indefatigaWy with him in reorganizing the Army 
of the Republic ? In 1 9 ro the statue to Baron von* STEtnsEX 
was erected on this site, completing the groap erf statues 
commemorating those generals of other nations who made 
OUT cause their own and whose naiTK^g shall be always linked 
with the great struggle which gave to this coontry its inde- 
pendence. 

In additkHi to the Revctetionary interest thus attached 
to this park the surrounding neighborhood is rich in asso- 
ciations of a personal nature. The residence on Jacksoo 
Place directly opposite the statne of Stettbex is that 
formerly occupied by Commodore Stephen Decatur, who 
died there, March 22, 1820, from wounds received in a duel 
with Connnodore BamKL Among other distinguished men 
who lived in the Decatur boose were Henry Clay, Martin 
Van Boren, Edward Lrvingston, Geotge M. Dallas, and 
Edward F. Beale. 

Directly north of the statne, on H Street, is the house 
f<HTnerly occupied by Daniel Webster, when Secrrtary of 
State, and later by W. W. Cwcoran, whose name will always 
be associated with the art gallery presented by Mm to the 
Capital City. The house next east. No. 1607 H Street, is 
that fcffmerly occupied by Hc«i. Daniel Lamoct, Secretary 
of War during President Cleveland's administratioa; and 
farther east on H Street is the residence of the late John 
Hay, Secretary of State under President McKinley. The 
house No. 22 Jackscsi Place was used as an o£Qce by Presi- 
dent Roosevelt and his executive staff during the renova- 
tion erf the \Miite House frcan June to November, 1902. 



14 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

St. John's Church, facing the park at Sixteenth Street, is 
so well known for the many distinguished persons who 
have attended divine worship there, including Presidents 
Madison, Monroe, John Quincy Adams, Jackson, Van Buren, 
Harrison, Tyler, Fillmore, Buchanan, and Arthur, that it 
might almost be grouped with the White House and the 
State, War, and Navy Building in mentioning the historical 
setting of this famous and beautiful park. No place richer 
in sentiment, beauty, and historical interest could have 
been selected for the location of the statue commemorative 
of Gen. VON Steuben. 

THE SCULPTOR 

Albert Jaegers, the sculptor, was bom March 28, 1868, 
in Elberfeld, Germany. He came to Cincinnati, Ohio, 
while still a child. 

Engaged in ecclesiastical work, he at the same time 
studied at the school of design there in the evening. After 
a practical course in an architect's office, he entered no 
other school or studio here or abroad thereafter, becoming 
entirely self-taught in his profession. 

In 1889 Mr. Jaegers went to New York, and married a 
year later Matilda Holdt, a student of art from Cincinnati. 

A member of the National Sculpture Society, he won 
competitions inaugurated and decided by it, such as a 
United States silver dollar coin design and the Hamilton 
Fish tablet for Columbia College, New York. Mr. Jaegers 
executed many private and public works for Buffalo, St. 
Louis, and New York before he was called upon by the 
Government to submit, in competition with a number of 
eminent sculptors, a Steuben monument design. 




STATUE OF BARON VON STEUBEN, 
Lafayette Park Monument^ Washington, D. C. 




"MILITARY INSTRUCTION" 
Allegorical group on Steuben Monument, Washington, D. C. 




"COMMEMORATION'' 
Allegorical group on Steuben Monument, Washington, D. C. 



i iLMi -^ o I > «»-* - 



g^f^4><£v^ 



J' 



^ 



/ . 1 1 .| iii j >i 



v; 



■ WLUNtL- WILLIAM • NOKi H 
• MAJOR- BENJAMIN -WALKER 

■ • AIDES -AND -FRIENDS * 
)F • GENERAL • voN ST EySEN 



MEUALLI.jN Orj sTEUBEN ,VM-N J Ivl EIJ ; , vV Ash 1 14>.:. MJN. D. C. 



THE UNVEILING 



WASHINGTON, D. C. 
DECEMBER 7, 1910 



ORDER OF EXERCISES 



Hon. Jacob M. Dickinson, Secretary op War, 
Presiding 



Opening Song 

Invocation 

Address 

Address 

Song 



Northeastern Singers' Association 

Rev. Charles F. Steck, D. D. 

. Hon. Richard Bartholdt 

Member of Congress 

Dr. Charles J. Hexamer 
President National German-American Alliance 

. Northeastern Singers' Association 



Address Count J. H. von Bemstorff 

The German Ambassador 



Unveiling op monument 



Miss Helen Ta/t 



Star Spangled Banner . . Northeastern Singers' Association 

Accompanied by United States Marine Band 

Salute Battery E, Third Field Artillery 

Introduction op the sculptor, Mr. Albert Jaegers. 

Address .... The President of the United States 

Benediction . . . Rev. William T. Russell, D. D. 

Parade . . . Troops and German-American Societies 

Maj. Gen. W. H. Carter, Grand Marshal 



l6 



INVOCATION 

By Rev. Charles F. Steck, D. D., pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran 
Church of the Epiphany, Washington, D. C. 

Almighty and everlasting God — our God and the God of 
our fathers — who art worthy to be held in reverence by all 
the children of men, it is meet, right, and salutary that we 
should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, 
who art our creator, preserver, and bountiful benefactor. 
We adore Thee as the Sovereign Ruler of the universe, the 
King immortal, eternal, and invisible, the only wise God, 
and to Thee we give honor and glory. We worship Thee as 
the One in whom we live, and move, and have our being. 
We praise Thee for Thy goodness, and bless Thee for the 
benefits, both spiritual and temporal, which Thou hast so 
abundantly bestowed upon us. 

We call to mind in this hour the days of old, and give 
thanks to Thee for the sacred memories which this occasion 
awakens. We bless Thee for the foreign friend who, moved 
of Thee, came to help us repel a foreign foe, and whose signal 
services to our Nation in the dark extremity of its youth we 
have come together to commemorate. Continue to bestow 
upon us, we beseech Thee, the gracious favor we have hitherto 
enjoyed, and, with all affection and appreciation, may we, 
guided and sustained by Thee, labor to preserve, augment, 
and perpetuate the vast national forttme we have inherited, 
whose foimdation was laid in what our fathers and our 
fathers' friends, through sacrifice, and battle, and blood, 
achieved. To Thee they looked for the justification of their 
course, and Thou didst own and bless them, and to Thee we 
also look for instruction, direction, and support. 

84647°— 14 2 ly 



1 8 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

Most heartily we commend to Thy gracious care Thy 
servants, the President of the United States and those who 
are associated with him in the national administration; the 
Members of the Congress, the Commissioners of this District, 
and all our judges and magistrates. So endue them with 
Thy grace that they may fulfill their offices in accordance 
with Thy good pleasure, to the maintenance of righteousness 
and to the hindrance and punishment of wickedness, that we 
may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and hon- 
esty. Look with favor upon the foreign representatives who 
dwell among us and upon the nations from which they come 
accredited, and with these and with all the peoples of the 
earth may we continue to be at peace ; and hasten the coming 
of the day when governments shall submit their differences 
to the arbitrament of mind rather than of might, and war 
shall no more be learned. 

Bless those who are to address us to-day, and the societies 
and organizations here represented, and all the people, and 
may these exercises be a means of binding us all, of whatever 
tongue or walk in life, more closely in the ties which unite 
us as citizens of these United States. We ask these things 
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we 
have the forgiveness of sin, and by virtue of whose mighty 
achievements as the Captain of our salvation we may 
become citizens of even a better country, that is, an heav- 
enly, Jesus Christ, who taught us to say: 

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. 
Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in 
heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us 
our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. 
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: 
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, 
for ever and ever. Amen. 




HON. RICHARD BARTHOLDT, 
Member of Congress from Missouri and author of the Steuben Statue legislation. 



ADDRESS OF HON. RICHARD BARTHOLDT 

Mr. President and Fellow Citizens: When the 
Declaration of Independence was read in Philadelphia 
the whole civilized world listened, the rulers with 
misgivings, the peoples with exultant hope. It was 
the greatest political deliverance in history, and served 
notice on both the governed and those who govern 
that freedom, resting not on institutions but on the 
necessities of human nature, is no mere abstract idea, 
but a vital principle of national life. France imme- 
diately responded, the people with their honest sympa- 
thies and the monarch with his material aid; the latter 
prompted by his hostility to Great Britain, the former 
inspired by the writings of Voltaire and Rousseau for 
the cause of democracy and liberty. Many other 
countries, from various motives, seemed ready to extend 
their moral support to the Colonies, and many tongues 
were represented by the men who came to draw their 
swords for freedom's sake. History tells us that among 
the men who came from foreign lands there was none 
who rendered more valuable service to the cause of 
American independence than did that brave Prussian 
soldier whose memory a grateful country honors to-day, 
Baron Steuben. As one of the military godfathers of 
this Nation, his name is indissolubly linked with the 
stormy events incident to its birth, and his name and 
achievements are a monument more imperishable than 
this statue of bronze in the annals of his adopted 
country and in the hearts of his countrymen. 

19 



20 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

American independence was achieved through love of 
liberty, through military skill, and through courage and 
unswerving fidelity to the cause, and it was maintained 
through the wisdom of statesmanship which made the 
experiment of self-government a success. All these 
superb qualities were essential to the final triumph, and 
the lack of either one would have spelled failure. 
Historians agree that in Washington these qualities 
were found combined; that he excelled in them all. 
Steuben's opportunities were limited to the display of 
military knowledge and the exercise of soldierly skill. 
His was a master mind when it came to meet the 
requirements of organization, fundamental tactics, and 
strategy. But there was something else in him. We 
can not read the darker chapters of the struggle for 
independence without becoming deeply impressed with 
those qualities of which the poet says: "If they were 
not as old as the world, I believe a German would 
have invented them," namely, loyalty and perseverance. 
No American patriot could have been more unfalteringly 
true and more stubbornly faithful to the cause of the 
Colonies and none more courageously sanguine as to 
the final outcome than was that rugged soldier of two 
worlds. It seemed as if his power of resistance grew 
in proportion with the difficulties and obstacles which 
confronted the colonists, and his own confidence, 
together with the order and discipline and economy 
which he enforced, became at once the comfort and 
consolation of his equals and superiors, and the inspira- 
tion of the rank and file of the Army. 

Let history speak for itself. Frederick Wilhelm 
August von Steuben came to this country, after a stormy 



Address of Hon. Richard Bartholdt 21 

passage, on December i, 1777. He was then 47 years old, 
and, as the descendant of a military family, had practically 
been a soldier since his fourteenth year, when he accom- 
panied his father in a most strenuous and bloody campaign. 
Reared in the rigorous military school of Frederick the Great, 
he entered the King's army at the age of 26, and participated 
in nearly all the great battles of the Seven Years' War. 
Later he became adjutant general of Frederick the Great, 
and in this position had occasion to thoroughly familiarize 
himself with the important tasks of providing for and 
equipping the troops, of securing and caring for arms and 
ammunition, of their inspection and control, and of the 
drilling and training of soldiers — the very essentials which 
later made his services so invaluable in the Revolutionary 
War. At the end of the Seven Years' War he was granted a 
comfortable pension, which would have enabled him to live 
a life of ease for the rest of his days, but on a visit to Paris he 
became acquainted with several prominent men of the 
French court, and also with Benjamin Franklin, the Ameri- 
can emissary, who tried to prevail on him to offer his services 
to Gen. Washington. At that particular time things looked 
rather blue for the colonists. In spite of his masterly 
strategy and the bravery and self-sacrificing spirit of his 
troops, Washington had been forced to retreat from New 
York, through New Jersey, and across the Delaware, and 
camped with an army diminished and discouraged, and 
incapable of larger undertakings, in Pennsylvania. The 
cause of all the reverses had mainly been the lack of disci- 
pline. Up to that time American soldiers had fought only 
against Indians, which, it is true, caused them to excel in 
marksmanship, in skirmishing, and in the ability to undergo 
great hardships, but they could not well hold their own in 






22 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

open battle against the well-trained British. The French 
Government was fully aware of that fact , and it also recognized 
that Baron Steuben, the pupil of Frederick the Great, would 
be the right sort of man to create order out of chaos, to prop- 
erly drill and equip the American Army and make it equal to 
any emergency. The appeals in behalf of American freedom 
found an echo in Steuben's heart and he accepted the offers 
made to him. When, after a voyage of more than two 
months, he landed at Portsmouth, the first news he received 
was of important American successes in the State of New 
York, and of the surrender of the English general, Burgoyne, 
with his whole army. New York, Philadelphia, and nearly 
the whole coast, however, were still in the possession of the 
British, and Washington's army was nearly frozen and 
starved to death in winter quarters at Valley Forge. Steu- 
ben was everywhere received with due honors. 

Congress readily accepted the offer of his services as a vol- 
unteer, granted him the rank of major general, and intrusted 
him with the task to drill the troops and establish better 
order in the commissary and other departments. On the 
way to Valley Forge Steuben and his retinue came through 
Lancaster, where the many Germans residing there accorded 
him a royal welcome. Gen. Washington, too, received him 
most cordially and with all the honors due an officer of high 
rank. The winter quarters presented a most sorrowful 
appearance. The troops were in want of practically every- 
thing — clothing, provisions, arms, and ammunition; and 
discipHne and military order seemed unknown. When the 
enlistment of a soldier had expired he took musket and 
uniform home with him ; if fatigued, he threw away whatever 
was burdensome to him. There were 5,000 muskets more 
on paper than were required, yet many soldiers were without 



. Address of Hon. Richard Bartholdt 23 

them. Steuben's first task was, therefore, to inaugurate a 
system of control over the needs and supply of arms, and, in 
course of time, he succeeded in carrying this control to such 
perfection that, on his last inspection before he left the Army, 
there were but three muskets missing, and even those could 
be accounted for. 

In drilling the troops the Inspector General at first experi- 
enced great difficulties on account of his deficient knowledge 
of English. The story goes that on one occasion, when he 
could not express himself with enough vigor, he turned to one 
of his officers and begged him to swear at the stupid troops 
for him. ^But he carried on the exercises with characteristic 
perseverance and every morning used to rise at 3 o'clock and 
have all soldiers pass muster. Of course, he could not en- 
force the same rigid discipline as in the Prussian Army, but 
his good common sense suggested to him the right means to 
achieve the most favorable results. In the following cam- 
paign the good order brought about in the Army became 
apparent in many ways. A work of special merit was 
Steuben's Regulations for the Army, which he wrote in the 
heat of the campaign, and which, after its approval by 
Washington and Congress, became the mihtary textbook of 
this country under the title " Regulations for the Order and 
Discipline of the Troops of the United States." 

After he had been at Valley Forge, Morristown, West 
Point, and in a number of engagements as Inspector General 
and Chief of Staff, he was sent South, immediately following 
the unfortimate Battle of Camden, on August 16, 1780, 
against which another German, Gen. De Kalb, had warned 
Gen. Gates in vain and in which De Kalb died a heroic death. 
Steuben was to raise troops in Virginia in support of Gen. 
Nathanael Greene, who had gone to the Carolinas, and that 



24 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

proved by far the saddest of his American experiences, owing 
to the indifference of and lack of support from the people of 
Virginia. To Gov. Jefferson's repeated calls but few new 
recruits responded, and on one occasion out of 500 men 
promised by the governor only 7 appeared in Steuben's 
camp, and 2 of those deserted before the day was over. 
Whole companies were decimated by desertions, and even 
the few who remained lacked clothing, food, ammimition, 
and arms. But not once, even in the face of these distress- 
ing circumstances, did Steuben lose heart. Where hun- 
dreds of others in his place would have given up, he stood 
his groimd and succeeded, from time to time, in sending Gen. 
Greene the much-needed succor. 

When the American Army was finally organized in accord- 
ance with Steuben's plan, he asked for an independent com- 
mand, which, however, despite Washington's earnest recom- 
mendation, the Congress refused to give him, owing to 
jealousies and intrigues. Even this mortification could not 
sway him from the conscientious performance of his duties 
as Inspector General; in fact, in each instance his sense of 
duty triumphed over his disappointments. But fate had 
reserved a great satisfaction for him. It so happened that 
Gen. Comwallis, the commander in chief of the last formi- 
dable British army, capitulated to that brave German soldier. 
In the fall of 1781 Comwallis was besieged at Yorktown, 
Va., by the French auxiliary fleet on the one side and by the 
united American Army on the other. Gen. Washington, 
who from first to last had implicit confidence in and admira- 
tion for Gen. Steuben, had given him a- temporary com- 
mand, and so it happened that while Steuben was command- 
ing in the trenches the English general offered capitulation. 
When, the next day, Lafayette appeared to relieve him, 



Address of Hon. Richard Bartholdt 25 

Steuben refused to give up the command. " It is a recog- 
nized rule of war," he said, "that the officer who receives 
the first offer of capitulation must remain at his post until 
the negotiations are concluded." Lafayette appealed to 
Gen. Washington, but he decided the controversy in favor 
of Steuben. 

This, my friends, is but a meager account of Baron Steu- 
ben's great achievements, but enough has been disclosed to 
satisfy us that he is worthy of the lasting gratitude of the 
American people. What he was he was tlirough himself. 
He had to conquer every foot of ground, and for years his 
fellow officers, with a few honorable exceptions, regarded 
him with distrust and enmity until he could beat a path 
and by his o^\ti merit overcome the prejudices of his com- 
rades. His services were from beginning to end acts of 
personal renunciation, and only the satisfaction of duty 
well performed, the growing prospects of final success, and 
probably the conviction that it would be difficult for others 
to fill his particular place could inspire the loyalty and 
cheerfulness of his work. With him selfish considerations 
were ever pushed into the background by his regard for 
the public welfare and the sacredness of the cause. His 
life proved to be true what he viTote to Congress : 

When I drew my sword I made a solemn vow that only death could 
compel me to give up before Great Britain would recognize America's 
independence. 

The greatest honor a nation can bestow upon a historical 
character does not consist in glorifying and exalting him, 
but in doing him justice and in according to him the recog- 
nition honestly due him. It must, therefore, be a singular 
satisfaction to the present generation to know that Baron 
Steuben's worth and merits were highly appreciated and 



26 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

honored even during his Hfetime. It is true there were 
protracted bickerings in Congress as to the final accounting, 
but in the end he was given a Hfe pension and a gold-hilted 
sword, accompanied by the most flattering acknowledg- 
ments of his valuable services. The State of New York 
granted him 16,000 acres of land, Pennsylvania 2,000 acres, 
Virginia 15,000 acres, and New Jersey conveyed to him 
an estate in fee simple which had been confiscated from a 
Tory, which Steuben restored to the original owner, how- 
ever, the moment he learned that the man had been made 
a pauper by the confiscation. Pennsylvania also conferred 
on him honorary citizenship, and the cities of New York 
and Albany tendered him the freedom of the city, and 
New York presented him with a silver-hilted sword and a 
gold box besides. But what SteubEn himself prized 
highest of all was a letter from his commander in chief. 
Gen. Washington, written at Annapolis on December 23, 
1783, a few moments before he laid down his command. 
It was a testimonial more complimentary than any given 
to an officer of the Revolutionary Army, and the circum- 
stances under which it was written no less than its contents 
touched the heart of the old soldier most deeply. It read 
as follows: 

My Dear Baron: Although I have taken frequent opportunities, both 
public and private, to acknowledge your great zeal, attention, and abilities 
in performing the duties of your office, yet I wish to make use of this last 
moment of my public life to signify in the strongest terms my entire approba- 
tion of your conduct and to express my sense of the obligation the public is 
under to you for your faithful and meritorious services. 

I beg you will be convinced, my dear sir, that I should rejoice if it could 
ever be in my power to serve you more essentially than by expressions of 
regard and affection, but in the meantime I am persuaded you will not be 
displeased with this farewell token of my sincere friendship and esteem 
for you. 



Address of Hon. Richard Bartholdt 27 

This is the last letter I shall write while I continue in the service of my 
country. The hour of my resignation is fixed at 12 to-day, after which I 
shall become a private citizen on the banks of the Potomac, where I shall be 
glad to embrace you and testify the great esteem and consideration with 
which I am, my dear Baron, etc. 

To-day's event is posterity's patriotic response to these 
words of Steitben's greatest contemporary, and no other 
evidence was needed than the truth of history and this letter 
of the Father of the Country to justify Congress in author- 
izing the sculptor, Albert Jaegers, to create this beautiful 
monument. 

Unlike many other foreign officers, Baron Steuben 
never returned to his native country but died on November 
28, 1794, a true American patriot. His burial place near 
Utica is known to but few of the present generation, but 
this isolation in death seems to have been in accordance 
with his last wish. To-day he has been lifted from his 
obscure grave. His name is on the lips of all, and the hearts 
and minds of a grateful Nation revere his memory, and why ? 
Not only because he happened to stand at the cradle of 
American independence and helped nurse it to a reality, 
but also because of his sterling qualities of character, which 
by means of this monument are held up as guiding stars 
to this and future generations. The virtues of loyalty and 
perseverance in the performance of duty count alike in 
peace and war, in a soldier and a citizen, and the one has 
as many opportunities to practice them as the other. The 
nation which exalts them exalts itself. The thousands of 
American citizens of German birth or descent whose pres- 
ence makes this a national German-American day are not 
here simply because the hero we honor was of their flesh 
and blood. They have come because Baron Steuben has 
shed luster on the German name by the display of qualities 



28 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

and virtues which they admire, and among those none has 
more powerfully thrilled their hearts than his example ci 
imswerv'ing loyalty to America. They rejoice, too, in th; 
greatness and magnanimity of a people which in honoring 
its heroes nobly disregards national distinctions, and by 
placing all on a common high pedestal of fame lives up to 
the idealism of a common brotherhood under the flag of a 
free government. This is one of the lessons proclaimed in 
mute but eloquent words by the great monument we are 
unveiling to-day, and it is one which no son of the Republic, 
be he native born or adopted, should ever forget. It reveals 
a vision of the grandeur of American ideals which should 
make better Americans of us all. 




DR. CHARLES J. HEXAMER, OF PHILADELPHIA, 
President of the National German-American Alliance. 



ADDRESS OF DR. CHARLES J. HEXAMER 

The second half of the eighteenth century was especially 
significant and important in the political and cultural devel- 
opment of mankind. Its momentous events, occurring in 
rapid succession, its great men, its bloody wars, its heroes 
from Frederick the Great on a throne down to the lowest 
ranks of the common people, and its scientists, scholars, and 
thinkers of all nationalities formed in vast array the advent 
of a new era. The portending signs and events found their 
culmination in the French Revolution, that gigantic broom 
that swept the cobwebs from the brains of men and re- 
moved by one fell stroke the accumulated rubbish of many 
centuries. The Zeitgeist breathed the equality of man — equal 
rights and liberty for all. The seeds of coming nations were 
then sown and a new order of things was evolved. 

The events leading to the Revolution of the American Colo- 
nies, and finally culminating in the founding of our Republic, 
were some of the many influences which gave rise to the 
social upheaval in Europe. On the other hand, the excesses 
of the Reign of Terror in France exerted a beneficent influ- 
ence in moderating opinions in our young Republic; people 
learned that liberty did not mean license and that our Con- 
stitution stands for a masterful expression of the will of a 
free people vmder salutary self-control. 

Among the many valuable services of Benjamin Franklin 
and the "Father of his Country" must be mentioned that 
they recommended Baron von Steuben to Congress. The 
genius of Washington, with his knowledge of men and things, 

29 



30 Stattie of Baron von Steuben 

intuitively grasped the true spirit of military discipline; not 
only would it become a great help to the Army and its 
officers, and enable him to win battles, but he also felt that 
its influence would reach far into the future, when, after 
laying aside their arms, soldiers would again go about their 
peaceful pursuits, and the golden lessons of fidelity and dis- 
cipline, where every part works for the benefit of the whole, 
would finally spread tliroughout the broadest strata of the 
Nation. This was achieved, and was due in a great measure 
to "Washington's right arm," Baron von Steuben. 

How deep the sympathies of the best of the German 
people were at the time for the American colonists in their 
struggle for freedom can be gleaned from Schiller's news- 
paper articles, and his " Kabale imd Liebe" scourges the 
utter rottenness of the system whereby German princelings 
sold their soldiers as mercenaries to England. 

Franklin, when he met SteubEN in France, immediately 
recognized that he had before him an officer who not only 
followed the struggle of the American Colonies with keen 
interest, but who also prayed for their success. The best 
proof of Steuben's sentiments is contained in the letter 
which he addressed, from Portsmouth, to the Congress of 
the United States, in which he states that the only motive 
bringing him to this hemisphere is his desire to serve a 
people making such a noble fight for their rights and freedom. 
He does not crave titles or money. His only ambition in 
entering oiur ranks as a volunteer is to acquire the confidence 
of the commanding general of our armies and to accompany 
him through all his campaigns, as he did the King of Prussia 
during the Seven Years' War. He would like to attain with 
his life's blood the honor that at some futiu-e day his name 
may be enrolled among the defenders of our liberty. 



Address of Dr. Charles J. Hexamer 31 

Though it is to be presumed that Steuben's biography is 
well known, I feel it my duty to limn by a few sketches the 
career of this extraordinary man. 

Among European officers of our War of Independence 
Frederick Wii^liam Henry Ferdinand von Steuben is 
undoubtedly tjje foremost in military knowledge. He ren- 
dered services to our Nation which for actual value leave 
those of others far behind, although some may be better 
known to our people through the glamoiu: of romance and 
deeds of a more spectacular display. 

He was born on November 15, 1730, at Magdeburg, the 
son of the Prussian Capt. von Steuben, a descendant of an 
old and noble family, which for generations had produced 
famous soldiers. He entered the Prussian Army at the early 
age of 14, was wounded at the Battle of Prag, serving in the 
Volunteer Battalion of von Mayr, and fought throughout the 
Seven Years' War. At Kvmersdorf he was again woimded 
and taken prisoner. He became adjutant to Gen. von Hiil- 
sen. Fighting at one time against the French, at another 
against the Russians and Austrians, he so distinguished 
himself that in 1 762 he became captain of the staff and per- 
sonal adjutant of the King. Later he commanded a cavalry 
regiment. He resigned his commission in 1763. 

After several years of service as court marshal to the 
Prince of HohenzoUern-Hechingen, while a general in the 
army of the Markgrave of Baden, he again met, on a visit 
to Paris, in December, 1777, his friend St. Germain, French 
minister of war. The latter advised him to go to America. 
Benjamin Franklin, at that time our ambassador to France, 
did likewise, and rejoiced when he found that it did not re- 
quire much persuasion. SteubEn was considered an au- 
thority on military matters. As a member of the staff of 



32 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

Frederick the Great he had actively and carefully studied 
the commissary departments. He had seen how to provi- 
sion and keep armies in an efficient state of health, and 
knew how to handle large military bodies. In short, he 
was "a past master of all the sciences of war, had ac- 
quired his knowledge at the most famous high school of 
those times, and, what was more, he had proved himself 
worthy and distinguished." 

He no doubt felt that among the American patriots he 
would find excellent raw material, "Free men fighting for 
liberty, willing and capable of enduring every hardship that 
would lead them to victory." The masses of recruits needed 
vigorous measures to make them valuable. And in Steuben 
lived the enthusiasm of the creator, the master, whose heart 
and soul were in his work. We can in truth call him the 
" Father of the American Army." Like a father he rejoiced 
in the progress of his men. He started his work with a num- 
ber of picked men, and in a fortnight his company knew how 
to bear arms and had a military air, knew how to march, and 
to form in columns, to deploy and execute maneuvers with 
excellent precision. 

Well could the Secretary of War at the time write that all 
congratulated themselves on the arrival of such a man, ex- 
perienced in military matters. His services were the more 
valuable because the want of discipline and internal order 
in our Army was generally felt and greatly regretted. The 
general state of affairs on the arrival of Steuben can best 
be gleaned from Steuben's notes, which are preserved in 
the archives of the Historical Society of New York. 

The Army was divided into divisions, brigades, and 
regiments, commanded by major generals, brigadier gen- 
erals, and colonels. Congress had stipulated the number 



Address of Dr. Cftarles J. Hexamer 33 

of soldiers for a regiment and a company, but the constant 
flood and tide of men having enlisted for six or nine months 
made the condition of a regiment or a company problem- 
atical. The words "company," "regiment," "brigade," 
or "division" meant nothing, as they certainly offered no 
standard for figuring the strength of a corps or of the Army. 
The number of men in them was so changeable that it was 
impossible to arrange a maneuver. Often a regiment was 
stronger than a brigade. Steuben saw a regiment of 30 
men and a company which consisted of a corporal. Rec- 
ords were badly kept, reliable reports were impossible, and 
conclusive evidence could not be gained of where the men 
were and whether the money due them had been actually 
paid. Officers employed two and some even four soldiers 
as body servants. 

Military discipline did not exist. Regiments were made 
up at random. Some had 3, others 5,8, and 9 subdivisions. 
The Canadian regiment even had 2 1 . 

Every colonel used the system he personally preferred. 
One used the English, another the French, and a third the 
Prussian regulations. Only on the march unanimity of 
system reigned. "They all used the single- file march of 
the Indians." 

Furloughs and discharges were granted without the 
knowledge of higher officers. When the troops were in 
camp, the officers did not stay with them, but lived apart, 
sometimes several miles away, and in winter usually went 
to their homes. Often but four officers remained with a 
regiment. The officers thought that their duties consisted 
in attending guard motmt and to head their troops in 
battle. 

84647°— 14 3 



34 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

Soldiers did not know how to use their weapons, had no 
confidence in them, and used their bayonets as spits to 
broil their food when they had any. Uniforms could 
easily be described, because the troops were almost naked. 
The few officers who had military coats at all had them of 
any kind, color, and cut. Steuben states that at a "dress 
parade " he saw officers in sleeping-gOAvns, which had been 
made from old woolen blankets and bedspreads. 

Such a thing as the proper administration of a regiment 
none knew. The consequence was that chaotic disorder 
reigned everywhere, and the results obtained were ludi- 
crously inadequate in proportion to the sums expended. 

Just as little as the officers knew of the numbers of men 
at their command as little did they know about the weapons, 
ammunition, and equipment of their troops. No one kept 
records or accoimts except the Army contractors who 
supplied the different articles. 

A terrible scarcity of money reigned all over the country. 
The British had put large quantities of counterfeit paper 
money in circulation, which brought with it an enormous 
devaluation; $400 to $600 were asked for a pair of shoes, 
and it took a "month's pay of a common soldier to buy a 
square meal." 

We must recall these facts in order to estimate at its full 
value Steuben's great sacrifice in remaining at his post. 
One not of the moral caliber of Steuben would have pre- 
cipitately fled from the service, for neither pecuniary nor 
social advantages were to be gained by serving the Colonies. 

The horrors of the camp of Valley Forge, where he was 
first sent, are known to every school child. Steuben 
showed himself worthy of the trust imposed in him. Wash- 
ington had appointed him Inspector General, and soon 



Address of Dr. Charles J. Hexamer 35 

Steuben showed the stuff he was made of, bringing order 
out of the chaos, introducing an excellent system of ac- 
counts and strict military discipline. He could not speak 
English well, but in spite of this handicap he succeeded 
in the difficult task, for a foreigner, of making himself be- 
loved and popular with all classes. He introduced system- 
atic regulations, held daily reviews, personally inspected 
everything, and made himself familiar with every detail. 
Droll incidents, of course, took place; the men made mis- 
takes in maneuvering, the Baron made bad breaks in Eng- 
lish, his volleys of French and German were in vain, and 
though he swore in three languages, that did not help 
matters; but suddenly Steuben's good common sense and 
generous heart would assert themselves and he would call 
his adjutant to help him scold these dunces (Dummkopfe) , 
in reality to explain in plain English what he wanted the men 
to do. It was his big and generous heart which soon made 
him a imiversal favorite, for he not only enforced strict 
discipline, but he also scrupulously looked after the welfare 
of every soldier. He investigated everything, the reports of 
physicians, the condition of the sick, the treatment the men 
received from their officers, the quarters and provisions given 
to his men, and, finally, he was always with them. Up at 
break of day, always active, never tiring, he accompanied 
his men on their marches and participated in their hard- 
ships and in camp he arranged their amusements. His tact 
and sovmd judgment were apparent everywhere, the mili- 
tary tactics of the school of Frederick the Great were 
adapted to the conditions of the American troops and their 
surroundings. He was not a blind follower of military 
customs and superannuated formulas, as one might have 
easily been led to expect. His instructions were fitted to 



36 Statiie of Baron von Steuben 

local conditions and, therefore, were appreciated; the 
officers strove zealously to emulate his example. Soon raw 
recruits were transformed into active and able parts of 
Washington's war machine. 

Thus Steuben in spirit as well as in fact became "the 
drillmaster of the Continental Army," an unselfish and 
faithful helper, esteemed by Washington, who well knew 
that Steuben was worthy the order of merit and faithful- 
ness his former master had bestowed upon him. 

Steuben was not a stickler for forms, not a mere " drill 
sergeant," but a broad-minded man, head and shoulders 
above most of those of his time who had taken up the "art 
of war" as a profession. 

He possessed the genius of a great military organizer, 
creating armies out of nothing, "stamping them out of the 
groimd." Thus in Virginia, in the winter of 1780 and 
1 78 1, after the unfortunate Battle of Camden, S. C, 
Steuben was sent with Gen. Greene "to create an army." 
In spite of great difficulties, such as demoralization, igno- 
rance of military discipline, and the pervading tendency 
to "plunder," he succeeded so well that Arnold's maraud- 
ing invasion was halted and Lafayette could score successes. 
With a strong hand, by hard personal application, he broke 
the prejudice of officers who thought it beneath them to 
personally teach common soldiers. This bom aristocrat 
showed his fellow officers how democratic he was at heart, 
"working to achieve results, and knowing no social barriers 
to accomplish them. His example was contagious, and 
jealous opponents were silenced by the excellent results of 
Steuben's methods. 

Gen. Scammel wrote to Sullivan that " Baron Steuben 
sets all a truly noble example. He is a past master in 



Address of Dr. Charles J. Hexamer 37 

everything, from the big maneuver down to the smallest 
detail of the service. Officers and soldiers alike admire in 
him a distinguished man who held a prominent place under 
the great Prussian monarch, and who now, notwithstand- 
ing this fact, condescends, with a grace wholly his own, 
to drill a small body of 10 or 12 men as a drillmaster." 
Under his leadership extraordinary progress had been made 
toward order and discipline within the whole Army. The 
great change which became everywhere apparent caused 
Washington to report to Congress that he would not be 
doing his duty if he should longer keep silent in regard to 
the high merits of Baron von Steuben. His ability and 
knowledge, the never-tiring zeal with which he labored 
since he entered his office, constituted an important gain 
for the Army. 

The results of Steuben's "drilling" were forcibly shown 
at the Battle of Monmouth, when Lee's lines, through 
incompetence or treachery, were breaking in confusion 
and defeat seemed certain, and Steuben, by Washington's 
command, brought the impending flight to a standstill and 
led the reunited lines against the fire of the enemy — a 
splendid example of discipline and mutual confidence 
between leader and troops. Alexander Hamilton, an eye- 
witness, declared that he then for the first time became 
aware of the overwhelming importance of military training 
and discipline. Discipline and drill had saved the day for 
the cause of liberty and had proved to the American Army 
that it was able to cope on an equal footing with the drilled 
armies of the enemy. 

That Steuben was a master of military science, using his 
own ideas, is clearly shown by the rules and regulations he 
issued under extraordinary difficulties during the winter 



38 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

campaign of 1778 and 1779. He was the inventor of the 
formation of light infantry, a lesson to be learned even by 
his former master, Frederick the Great, who studied the 
American War closely and adopted the system in his own 
army, then the model of the world, blindly followed by all 
the armies of Europe. 

Steuben's regulations were used for generations after 
his death, until new inventions and conditions made changes 
necessary. 

In Washington's council of war Steuben's word was of 
great influence and often heeded. In the archives of the 
Historical Society of New York his carefully drawn plans 
of campaign are still to be found. 

At the siege of Yorktown he was the only American 
general who had previously participated at sieges, at Prag 
and Schweidnitz, and so it happened that he was in com- 
mand, his troops occupying the most advanced trenches, 
when Comwallis raised the white flag of surrender. Wash- 
ington in the Army order of the next day specially mentions 
that to brave Steuben belonged a great part of the credit 
of victory. 

After peace had been declared and the Army was dis- 
banded, Washington commended, in his own handwriting, 
the extraordinary services which Gen. Steuben had rendered 
the American cause. ' 

Washington was the moving spirit, the soul of the great 
fight for freedom, but to Steuben must be awarded the credit 
of having been the power which supplied that master spirit 
with the means. Clear-sighted historians do not hesitate 
to designate Steuben as the most valuable man Europe 
gave America in our fight for freedom. 



Address of Dr. Charles J. Hexamer 39 

As has been said: 

His s^'stemof reviews, reports, and inspections gave efficiency to the soldiers, 
confidence to the commander, and saved the Treasury not less than $600,000. 

Congress considered Steuben's services too valuable to 
discharge him after peace was declared, and it was SteubEN 
who worked out the plans for the establishment of our 
small standing Army and the foundation of our Military- 
Academy. In spite of strong opposition his recommenda- 
tions received the support of Washington, and Congress 
adopted them. The Military Academy he suggested is 
to-day none other than the Nation's famous Military 
Academy at West Point. Steuben's plans included pro- 
fessorships of history, geography, international law, ora- 
tory, the fine arts, etc. He held that an officer should 
have a liberal education and the best moral and physical 
training obtainable. 

When in 1784 the place of Secretary of War became 
vacant, Steuben applied for it, believing that he could 
serv'^e his country well. Political cliques and intrigues 
shelved his aspirations ; the threadbare excuse, for the want 
of a better one, that he was a ' ' foreigner ' ' to whom such an 
important post should not be intrusted, was put forward; 
such was the gratitude of our Republic after a great war, 
in wliich Steuben had so forcibly proved his fidelity and 
force of character. 

He keenly took this disappointment to heart, and in 
March, 1784, tendered his resignation. Congress accepted 
it on April 15, with the resolution that the thanks of 
the United States be expressed to him for the great zeal 
and the efficiency he had displayed in every position in- 
trusted to him, and presented him with a gold-handled 
sword as a sign of the high appreciation of his character 



40 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

and merits. The States of New York, New Jersey, Penn- 
sylvania, and Virginia made him grants of land. 

In trying to procure reimbursement for the large sums 
he had advanced during the war he, however, experienced 
endless trouble and annoyances. Other men had come to 
the front and supported the claims of generals they favored. 
Finally, at a session when some opponents even argued in 
favor of repudiating the contracts made in good faith. 
Representative Page arose and told how Steuben had 
ofifered us his sword under generous terms and had ren- 
dered us such essential services that one should blush for 
Congress if the views of certain Members were adopted, 
that it was unworthy of Congress to split hairs about the 
meaning of the terms of contracts, and that he did not 
weigh them according to the amount of money involved, 
for he considered the services of the distinguished veteran 
more valuable than the highest sum which could possibly 
be awarded him. 

Returning to private life, Steuben became a public- 
spirited citizen of the highest type. He probably gave the 
first impulse to the founding of the Order of the Cincinnati, 
and was one of the original members of this patriotic 
society. He was elected a regent of the University of 
New York, and at all times kept in touch with all ques- 
tions, civil or military. The German Society of New 
York reveres in him one of its founders, and he was its 
president tmtil his death. This society had been foimded 
in 1784, to aid German immigrants on similar lines to the 
German Society of Pennsylvania, founded 20 years before. 

Steuben could enjoy but a short time the annual pen- 
sion of $2,500 finally granted him in 1790 and the land 
grant of the State of New York. He had retired to his 



Address of Dr. Charles J. Hexamer 41 

farm in the summer of 1794; as usual, he went to spend 
the hot season under the oak trees that shaded his simple 
hut, occupying his time with agricultural piu-suits and 
scientific studies, when he was suddenly stricken. The 
brave warrior and noble citizen was never fully to recover. 
He died shortly after his sixty-fourth birthday, on No- 
vember 28, 1794. 

On Oneida's heights, deep within an old forest reserv'a- 
tion, we find a massive monument of gray stones to which 
the mosses and lichens fondly cling. Here rest the mortal 
remains of Steuben, the father of the American Army. 

We honor ourselves in honoring the memorj'^ of our 
great dead. 

The great oaks about his grave will fall in the course 
of time, time will also crumble this statue into dust, but 
as long as the American Nation exists the memory of 
Steuben will endure. 




COUNl JOHA.N.N HEINRICH VON BtRN^i TURI-F, 

I (le German Arnbassador to th^ Ut>ited States. 



ADDRESS OF 
COUNT JOHANN HEINRICH VON BERNSTORFF 

Mr. President, Ladies, and Gentlemen: I highly 
appreciate the honor and privilege of appearing before 
and addressing this imposing gathering in the presence 
of the President of the United States. Many descend- 
ants of the old German stock who have found a new home 
in this hospitable country, and now form a natiu-al bond 
of an ever-increasing friendship between Germany and 
the United States, have come to Washington to-day to 
do honor to the memory of one of the most distinguished 
of their number at the foot of his statue, which is also the 
work of an American citizen of German descent. I am 
therefore very pleased to be able to regard this monument 
not only as one erected to the memory of a distinguished 
German officer, who ably served this country, but also 
as a monument to the unbroken friendship which has 
existed between Germany and the United States since 
the birth of the people of the United States as a nation. 
In those days the great King from whom Steuben learnt 
the art of war issued his order refusing transit through 
Prussian territory to the Hessian and other German troops 
hired to fight against the Colonists. Frederick the Great 
was also one of the first to recognize the independence 
of the Colonies by concluding a treaty of commerce with 
the United States. This monument will all the more 
be a token of the old friendship existing between the two 
great nations, as the United States Congress, besides mu- 
nificently providing for the erection of this statue, has 

43 



44 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

decided to present a copy of it to the Emperor. Here 
and in Germany whoever regards one of the two monu- 
ments will be reminded of the ancient ties of friendship 
uniting him with his cousins beyond the ocean. 

Steuben was not an adventurer purely seeking per- 
sonal fame and money. He had been a distinguished 
officer in the great Frederick's army, in which he was con- 
nected with the quartermaster's department, and an aid- 
de-camp to the King. He came to America at the request 
of Benjamin Franklin and with a letter of introduction 
from him. Steuben himself wrote to Congress that the 
honor of serving a nation engaged in the noble enterprise 
of defending its rights and liberties was the reason that 
brought him to this continent. Steuben joined the 
American troops during the gloomy winter at Valley Forge 
and was soon afterwards appointed Inspector General of 
the Army. The condition of the troops at that time is too 
well known to need description. Their inability to sus- 
tain a contest against the organized English soldiers had 
been taught in a woeful lesson by the campaign of 1776 in 
New York and New Jersey. It is recognized by all Amer- 
ican historians that none of the foreign officers rendered 
more important services than Steuben did by organizing 
and disciplining the Army, introducing a system of military 
tactics, and creating the Engineer and Artillery Corps. 
Educated in the best school of war of his time, approved 
and trusted by the great Frederick, his services to his adopted 
country were invaluable. Steuben succeeded in bringing 
order out of the general confusion, reducing the raw re- 
cruits to a homogeneous mass with the old troops, and 
accustoming the whole to the utmost precision of move- 
ment and management of arms and to yield punctilious 



Address of Count Johann Heinrich von Bernstorff 45 

obedience to orders. By imparting discipline he gave 
confidence to the officers and men and enabled the troops 
from diff'erent parts of the country to act together with 
unanimity and effect. By introducing military habits of 
strict obedience he suppressed tumult and disorder, and 
by his rigid system of inspection great sums were saved at 
a time when the very existence of the Nation depended on 
economy in the Army. Warm-hearted, affectionate, gen- 
erous to the extreme, the soldiers loved him, and many 
officers regarded him with romantic affection. He was 
prompt to acknowledge a mistake and eager to make 
reparation wherever it was due. 

I can not close my few remarks in a better way than by 
quoting the words of your national hero, George Washing- 
ton. On the day he resigned his commission as commander 
in chief he wrote to Steuben that he wished to make use 
of the last moment of his public life to express to SteubEN 
in the strongest terms his sense of the obligations the 
public was under to him for his faithful and meritorious 
services. 




MISS HELEN TAFT. 



UNVEILING OF THE STATUE 

Following the address of the German ambassador, 
Count von Bernstorff, the statue of Baron von Steu- 
ben was imveiled by Miss Helen Taft, daughter of the 
President. As the two big American flags, which had 
concealed the statue up to this time, were drawn apart 
revealing the handsome tribute from this Nation to Wash- 
ington's famous drillmaster, the Northeastern Singers' 
Association, nearly i,ooo voices strong, led the singing 
of the "Star Spangled Banner" in a most inspiring man- 
ner, accompanied by the United States Marine Band. 
Then followed the salute of honor by Battery E, Third 
Field Artillery, but even the roaring cannons failed to 
equal the reverberating cheers of the delighted multi- 
tude that had gathered to do honor to the great general 
who had aided so generously in the successes of the Con- 
tinental Army. 

The sculptor, Mr. Albert Jaegers, was introduced then 
by the presiding officer, the Secretary of War, who paid 
him high tribute for the magnificent statue he had cre- 
ated to perpetuate the memory of Steuben. Mr. Jaegers 
spoke briefly of Steuben. The vast audience attested 
its appreciation of the sculptor's work by long-continued 
applause. 

The unveiling ceremony was followed by the address 
of the President of the United States, William Howard 
Taft. 

47 



ADDRESS OF 
THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES 

Mr. Chairman, Mr. Ambassador, Ladies and Gentle- 
men: We dedicate to-day the last of the monuments 
which fill the four comers of this beautiful square and 
which testify to the gratitude of the American people to 
those from France, from Poland, and from Prussia who 
aided them in their struggle for national independence 
and existence. Lafayette, Rochambeau, Kosciuszko, and 
Von Steuben contributed much to the success of Ameri- 
can arms in the Revolution. The assistance of the first 
three was, perhaps, more conspicuous and spectacular 
than that of Von vSteuben, but it was not so valuable. 
Von Steuben was a trained soldier from boyhood. He 
learned his profession at the best of schools — that is, in 
actual warfare, under the direct instruction of the greatest 
master of the art of war of the eighteenth century. The 
character and severity of the drill and discipline and the 
tactics of the German Army were as exceptional in the 
days of Frederick William and of Frederick the Great as 
they are to-day. The word "thorough" described them 
then; it describes them now. 

Baron von Steuben came to this country, actuated by 
the highest motives of patriotism, to help us achieve lib- 
erty, and he brought with him that which was without 
money and without price and which he infused into the 
rank and file of the Revolutionary Army — discipline and 
organization. He began his desperate task with the 
Army at Valley Forge in the winter of 1777-78, and as 

84647»— 14 4 49 



50 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

early as May of 1778 his influence for good was manifest 
in the Battle of Monmouth and in the other campaigns 
of that year. Alexander Hamilton, an accomplished sol- 
dier, testified to the marvelous effect of Von Steuben's 
discipline upon the action of the American soldiers under 
fire. 

The effect of Steuben's instruction in the American 
Army teaches us a lesson that it is well for us all to keep 
in mind, and that is that no people, however warlike in 
spirit and ambition, in natural courage and self-confi- 
dence, can be made at once, by uniforms and guns, a mil- 
itary force. Until they learn drill and discipline, they are 
a mob, and the theory that they can be made an army 
overnight has cost this Nation billions of dollars and thou- 
sands of lives. 

The history of Von Stexiben's services shows him a 
kindly, considerate, brave, and accomplished soldier. As 
Inspector General, his achievements were not the successes 
of an independent command, but they were the prepara- 
tion by persistent but tedious drilling and discipline of 
men to serve effectively under other commanders and to 
win for them victory. It seemed a thankless task, for it 
had none of the spectacular in it, none of the glory of 
military triumph. It was the basic hard work without 
which such triumphs could not be won, but the results 
inured to the glory of others. 

Steuben asked for no reward, except that if his services 
were satisfactory, at the end of the war he should be rec- 
ompensed for the sacrifices he had made in leaving his 
home and giving up lucrative rank and office. Wash- 
ington, that calm, sane, just judge of men, recognized 
fully the debt that he and the Army and the people owed 



Address of the President of the United States 51 

to Von Steuben, and it is gratifying to know that he 
gave his evidence as he laid down his command of the 
Army in a letter full of expressions of gratitude to his 
comrade in arms, whose important aid at a critical junc- 
ture he fully appreciated. 

When Baron Steuben came to this coimtry he found 
Germans who had preceded him, and who, like him, had 
elected to make this their permanent home. Since his day 
millions of his countrymen have come to be Americans, 
and it adds great interest to our celebration and empha- 
sizes the propriety of the action of Congress in erecting 
this statue to know that the German race since the Revo- 
lution has made so large a part of our population and 
played so prominent a part in the great growth and de- 
velopment of our country. It is particularly appropriate 
that there is present the German ambassador, the per- 
sonal representative of the illustrious successor of Fred- 
erick the Great. The Germans who have become Ameri- 
can citizens and their descendants may well take pride in 
this occasion and in this work of art, modeled by the 
hand of an American of German descent, which com- 
memorates the valued contribution made by a German 
soldier to the cause of American freedom at the time of 
its birth. 



BENEDICTION 

By Rev. William T. Russell, D. D., rector of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 

Washington, D. C. 

May the blessing of Almighty God, the Father, the 
Son, and the Holy Ghost, whose power extends from end 
to end mightily, and who disposes all things sweetly, 
descend upon us and preserve to us intact the blessings 
of peace, won for us by the sacrifices of our heroic 
ancestors. Amen. 

52 



NEWSPAPER 
COM M ENT 



ON THE UNVEILING^ 
PARADE, AND ATTEND- 
ANT CEREMONIES 




MAJ. GEN. WILLIAM H. CARTER, U. S. A., 

Grand marshal of the military and civic parade at the unveiling of the Steuben Monument in 
Washington, D. C, December?, 1910. 



[Eitrlcli from The Evening Sear, Wiihington, D. C, December 7, 1910] 

NATION'S TRIBUTE TO VON STEUBEN 

BRONZE STATUE OF WASHINGTON'S GREAT DRILLMASTER UNVEILED 
IN LAFAYETTE PARK 

German societies take part in big parade — Chorus of i,ooo voices is heard in patriotic songs — 
Miss Helen Taft draws cord — Addresses by the President, the German Ambassador, and 
Representative Bartholdt, of Missouri — Delegations from New York 

In weather perhaps as bleak as that which enfolded 
the cheerless camp of the great commander in chief at 
Valley Forge, when barefoot Colonials tracked their 
course in blood over the pitiless snow, the United States 
of America, 133 years later, this afternoon, at the Capital 
of the Nation, unveiled the statue of Frederick Wil- 
liam Augustus Henry Ferdinand, Baron von Steuben, 
the adjutant general of the armies of Frederick the Great, 
the friend of Washington, and the great inspector of the 
Colonial Army that wrested its independence from the 
British Crown. 

Surrounding the tribute of bronze were thousands of 
Von Steuben's countrymen, proud of heart and exultant 
at the honor conferred upon their great representative, 
who, in his time, conferred honor upon their adopted 
country and gave to it all the force of his military wis- 
dom and skill in its fight for liberty. Not the barefoot 
and disorganized stragglers of the patriotic Army of long 
ago, but oflticers and troops of an Army and Navy second 
to none in Christendom, were gathered with them, while 
on all sides Americans to the manner born joined with 
all in the tribute to the memory of the great man who 
yet lives in the proudest annals of their native land. 

After a ringing chorus by nearly a thousand voices of 
the Northeastern Singers' Association and the invocation 
by Rev. Dr. Charles F. Steck, Jacob M. Dickinson, Sec- 

SS 



J 



56 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

retary of War, who presided at the ceremonies, introduced 
Representative Richard Bartholdt, of Missouri, who deliv- 
ered the opening address. 

* * * * * 

Representative Bartholdt's address was followed with 
one by Dr. Charles J. Hexamer, president of the National 
German- American Alliance; a song by the Northeastern 
Singers' Association, and an address by the German 
ambassador. Count J. H. von Bernstorff. 

UNVEILED BY MISS TAFT 

The statue was unveiled by Miss Helen Taft, daughter 
of the President, while the German singing societies, 
accompanied by the Marine Band, sang "The Star Span- 
gled Banner," and a salute was fired by Battery E, of the 
Third Field Artillery. 

The statue stands at the northwest corner of Lafayette 
Square, opposite the White House. On the other cor- 
ners of the square are the statues of Lafayette, Rocham- 
beau, and Kosciuszko. The statue is of bronze, surmount- 
ing a granite pedestal, and is so highly regarded as a work 
of art that Congress has provided for the presentation of 
a bronze replica to the German Emperor in partial recog- 
nition of his gift to the United States of a statue of Fred- 
erick the Great. The Steuben Statue is the work of Albert 
Jaegers, of New York. 

After the introduction of the sculptor, who received an 
ovation. President Taft, who was presented by Secretary 
Dickinson, spoke in praise of Von Steuben. 

Following the President's address, the benediction was 
pronounced by Rev. Dr. WiUiam T. Russell, pastor of 
St. Patrick's Catholic Church, and the military and civic 
parade then started. It was reviewed by the President 
and special guests. 



Nation 's Tribute to von Steuben 57 

FORMATION OF PARADE 

The formation of the parade was as follows : 

Maj. Gen. William H. Carter, of the General Staff, United States Army, 
grand marshal, assisted by Maj. Henry T. Allen, Eighth United States Cav- 
alry, and Capt. Joseph P. Tracy, Coast Artillery Corps, adjutant general, and 
staff. 

First division: Col. Joseph Garrard, Fifteenth Cavalry, United States 
Army, commanding; band United States Engineers; first battalion, United 
States Engineers, Maj. William D. Connor, Corps of Engineers, commanding; 
band United States Coast Artillery Corps; provisional regiment. United States 
Coast Artillery Corps, Col. Adam Slaker, Coast Artillery Corps, commanding; 
Company C, Hospital Corps, United States Army, Capt. William A. Wickline, 
Medical Corps, commanding; band United States Navy; battalion United 
States Marines; battalion seamen. United States Navy, Commander George 
W. Logan, United States Navy, commanding naval division; band Second 
Regiment, National Guard, District of Columbia; provisional battalion. 
Second Regiment, District of Columbia; provisional battalion, Second Regi- 
ment, National Guard, District of Columbia, Lieut. Col. Anton Stephan, 
Second Regiment, National Guard, District of Columbia, commanding; 
headquarters. Second Battalion, Batteries D and F, Third United States 
Field Artillery, Maj. L. G. Berry, Third Field Artillery, commanding; band, 
headquarters, and three troops First Squadron, Fifteenth United States 
Cavalry, Maj. F. S. Foltz, Fifteenth Cavalry, commanding. 

Second division: Grand marshal, Capt. Charles T. Schwegler, United States 
Volimteers— Staff : Chief of staff, Lieut. J. H. Mittendorff, late United States 
Navy; adjutant general, Mr. Julius Albrecht, Washington, D. C; assistant 
adjutant general, Lieut. Sherman Miles, Third Field Artillery; Fred W. 
Lichti, Kolte Post, No. 32, Grand Army of the Republic, New York; Col. 
August P. Kunzig, Second Pennsylvania Infantry-, National Guard; mounted 
escort for the division, composed of the officers and delegates of societies and 
of citizens of Washington, D. C. 

First subdivision: Marshal, Capt. Wilhelm Barg, Philadelphia, Pa., and 
staff; band; detachment with flags and banners of the subdivision; veterans 
of the Steuben regiment. Seventh New York Volunteers; the National Asso- 
ciation of German Veterans and Warrior Societies of North America. 

Second subdivision: Marshal, Richard Pluym, Washington, D. C, and staff; 
band; detachment with banners and flags of the subdivision; the Northeastern 
Singers' Association. 

Third subdivision: Marshal, Ernst F. Juergensen and staff; band; detach- 
ment with flags and banners of the subdivision; associated Turner societies of 
the States of New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, 
Virginia, and District of Columbia. 

Fourth subdivision: Marshal, A. von N. Rosenegk, Richmond, and staff; 
band; detachment with banners and flags of the subdivision; the Virginia 
and West Virginia State associations of German- American societies. 



58 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

Fifth subdivision: Marshal, Mr. Louis Schmidt, Philadelphia, and staff; 
band; detachment with banners and flags of the subdivision; imited Ger- 
man-American societies of the State of Pennsylvania. 

Sixth subdivision: Marshal, Fred Bassler, Baltimore, Md., and staff; band; 
the independent German-American societies of Marj'land. 

Seventh subdivision: Marshal, Frank Cordts and staff; band by the Platt- 
deutsche Volksfest Verein of Brooklyn; the banners of German-American 
societies from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Delaware, and other 
States; banners and flags. 

Eighth subdivision: Marshal, Robert Kammerer, New York, and staff; 
band; flags and banners of the society; the German Liederkranz, of New 
York. 

Ninth subdivision: Marshal, Charles Gemer, Washington, and staff; 
mounted escort in command of Frank Weigand; band; Butchers' Benevolent 
Association, No. i, of Washington, mounted and in uniform, commanded by 
Mr. Chris Rammling; flags and banners of the subdivision; the German- 
American allied societies of the District of Columbia. 

ABOUT 10,000 MEN IN LINE 

It is estimated there were between 8,000 and 10,000 
men in line. The first division formed at Pennsylvania 
Avenue, facing south, at Seventh Street NW. ; the sec- 
ond division formed in the vicinity of Sixth Street and 
Louisiana Avenue NW. 

Upon forming at 2 o'clock the second division pro- 
ceeded along Pennsylvania Avenue until the head of the 
column reached Fourteenth Street, when the column 
halted, backed against the north curbing of the Avenue 
and faced outwardly, that the various visiting organiza- 
tions might witness the military and naval display in the 
first division as it passed by. 

The first division started at 2.15 o'clock and marched 
west up Pennsylvania Avenue to Madison Place, thence 
northward to Pennsylvania Avenue, thence westward to 
Eighteenth Street, northward to H Street, eastward to 
Seventeenth Street, where the column halted. 

After the unveiling the column resumed its march 
eastward on H Street, thence northward on Vermont 
Avenue to K Street, where it disbanded, and the separate 
subdivisions and organizations proceeded to their head- 
quarters. 



Nation 's Tribute to von Steuben 59 

COMMITTEE ON SEATING 

The committee that assisted in seating the guests at 
the unveiling was composed as follows: Frederick D. 
Owen, chairman; John E. Fenwick, secretary; William L. 
Browning, Sidney I. Besselievre, Myron Jermain Jones, 
Proctor L. Dougherty, Lewis P. Clephane, John H. Fin- 
ney, John G. Johnson, Albert J. Gore, F. W. Graham, 
Albert D. Spangler, John Doyle Carmody, Dr. Frank L. 
Biscoe, James Berrall, Frank C. Scoiield, Frederick C. 
Bryan, Paul J. Pelz, U. S. G. Dunbar, H. S. McAlHster, 
Henry O. Hall, Earl C. Marsh, Dr. Edwin A. Hill, J. C. 
Dalphin, H. C. Gauss, F. G. Eiker, J. Jerome Lightfoot, 
Caleb C. Magruder, jr., Dr. Watson William Ayers, Fred- 
erick Hyde, Dr. William D. Wirt, John L. Wirt, George 
A. Howe, F. F. Gillen, and Henry W. Samson. 

DELEGATIONS FROM NEW YORK 

Among those in attendance at the unveiling were the 
lyiederkranz Society and the Concordia Society, both of 
New York, the former comprising 160 members and the 
latter 50 members. 

Both organizations have their headquarters at the 
Riggs House. 



BANQUET IN MEMORY OF BARON VON STEUBEN 

WASHINGTON MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY OF THE CINCINNATI TO HONOR 
ONE OF FOUNDERS 

In honor of Baron Frederick William von Steuben, 
whose statue in Lafayette Square was unveiled this after- 
noon, and who was one of the founders of the Society of 
the Cincinnati, the resident members of the society have 
selected to-night to give a banquet at the Army and Navy 
Club. At 7.30 o'clock a distinguished company, including 
many of the national officers of the society, will gather 
about the banquet board. 



6o Statue of Baron von Steuben 

Although the society still keeps to its old organization 
in the thirteen original States, with State organizations 
in each, there are living in Washington about 40 members 
of the society, and it is they who are to give the dinner 
to-night. This is the second banquet which the resident 
members have given, and it is believed that the Wash- 
ington banquet will become an annual affair. 

Baron von Steuben was enthusiastic over the organi- 
zation of the Order of the Cincinnati and did all in his 
power to aid in forming the society. The insignia of 
the society was designed by Maj. 1 'Enfant, the French 
officer who made the plans for the city of Washington. 
Baron von Steuben and the members of the society 
were so much pleased with the design for the insignia that 
Steuben was directed to write a letter to Maj. I'Enfant 
expressing the thanks of the society. 

letter to L'ENFANT 

This letter, signed by Steuben, is at present the prop- 
erty of Dr. James Dudley Morgan, of this city. The let- 
ter, though brief, is couched in the dignified language of 
the eighteenth century. It is dated July i, 1783, West 
Point, and reads as follows: 

Sir: Enclosed I have the honor to present you with an extract from 
the resolutions of the convention of the Society of the Cincinnati of June 19, 
1783, by which I am requested to transmit their thanks to you, for your care 
and ingenuity in preparing the designs, which were laid before them by the 
president on that day. 

I beg you to believe that I esteem myself honored in expressing the desire 
of the convention, as it gives me an opportunity of publicly paying that 
acknowledgment to your merit which is deserved. With the greatest esteem, 
I am, sir, 

Your obedient, humble servant, 

Steuben, 
list of the guests 

The guests at the banquet to-night will be James 
Simons, vice president general; Asa Bird Gardiner, sec- 
retary general; John Collins Daves, assistant secretary 
general; Charles Isham, acting treasurer general; Lewis 



Nation's Tribute to von Steuben 6i 

Dunham Boggs, Robert Taylor Varnum, R. Bruce Kirk- 
patrick, Bartlett S. Johnston, Maj. H. Ashton Ramsey, 
W. Hall Harris, Richard Bradley, James W. Denny, 
Senator Morgan Gardner Bulkeley, Representative Wil- 
liam Paine Sheffield, Representative Butler Ames, Henry 
Randall Webb, Brig. Gen. Daingerfield Parker, United 
States Army (retired) ; Brig. Gen. Green Clay Goodloe, 
United States Marine Corps (retired) ; Dr. William Hol- 
land Wilmer, Frederick McCullough Moore, Gen. Charles 
L. Fitzhugh, John Sidney Webb, William Howe Somer- 
vell, Commodore William Stetson Hogg, United States 
Navy (retired) ; Capt. Hilary Pollard Jones, United States 
Navy; Dr. Daniel Kerfoot Shute, Maj. Henry T. Allen, 
United States Army; Maj. Julian Mayo Cabell, M. D., 
United States Army (retired); Maj. Walter D. Webb, 
M. D., United States Army (retired); J. B. Baylor, 
James Malcolm Henry, Joshua Nathaniel Steed, R. B. B. 
Chew, jr.; Commodore Isaac Stockton Keith Reeves, 
United States Navy (retired) ; Joseph Young Reeves, 
Dr. George Tully Vaughan, William Marbury Beall, 
Brig. Gen. Hazard Stevens, Walter G. Peter, and Ben- 
jamin B. Bradford. 



GUESTS AT LUNCHEON 

UNITED GERMAN ALLIANCE COMMITTEE ENTERTAINED BY COMMERCE 

CHAMBER 

The executive committee of the United German 
Alliance, whose members are in Washington for the 
unveiling of the Von Steuben Statue to-day, were enter- 
tained at luncheon by the Washington Chamber of Com- 
merce at the New Ebbitt House at 11.30 o'clock this 
morning. The executive committee of the alliance is 
headed by Dr. C. J. Hexamer, of Philadelphia. 

The entertainment committee of the Chamber of Com- 
,merce who attended the luncheon consisted of A. Lisner, 



62 Statue of Baron -von Steuben 

H. B. F. Macfarland, William F. Gude, D. J. Callahan, 
James F. Oyster, Commissioner Cuno H. Rudolph, Scott 
C. Bone, William E. Shannon, Granville M. Hunt, and 
Thomas Grant. 



TOASTS TO VON STEUBEN DRUNK AT BANQUET BOARDS 

[The Evening Star, Washington, T>. C, December 8, 1910] 

Following the fatiguing exercises of the day, which was 
devoted to the unveiling of the statue to Von Steuben, 
the visiting German societies and organizations gave over 
the evening to feasting and oratory in commemoration of 
the event. Last evening there were four big banquets at 
which the great German general was extolled and the 
friendship of the United States and Germany more closely 
cemented. 

At the New Willard half a thousand men sat down to 
the banquet of the German-American societies and lis- 
tened to addresses by the German ambassador, Count von 
Bemstorff; Representative Richard Bartholdt, the toast 
master of the evening; Dr. Charles J. Hexamer, president 
of the National German- American Alliance; Commissioner 
Cuno H. Rudolph, and others. All the addresses were de- 
livered in the German language, except that of Commis- 
sioner Rudolph, who extended the welcome of Washington 
to the visitors and invited them to come again. 

At the Army and Navy Club the resident members of 
the Society of the Cincinnati, which was foimded after the 
peace of 1783, at the quarters of Baron von Steuben, on 
the Hudson, by the American officers of the Revolution, 
banqueted and recalled the heroes of the War for Inde- 
pendence in speech and story. 

MINUTE MEN THEIR GUESTS 

The Washington Kriegerbund, or association of German 
veterans who saw service in the armies of the United 



Nation's Tribute to von Steuben 63 

States as well as those of their native land, had as its 
guests of honor the officers of the Minute Men of this city, 
including Col. M. A. Winter, Lieut. Col. E. R. Campbell, 
Maj. E. F. Paull, Capt. Charles A. Goldsmith, and Capt. 
George W. Farris, who acted as the guard of honor when 
the American Kriegerbund visited Germany last year as 
the guests of the German Emperor. An incident of the 
evening was the presentation of a diamond stud by Lieut. 
Col. Campbell to Col. Richard Mueller, commander in 
chief of the Kriegerbund. Maj. von Herbert, military at- 
tach^ at the German embassy, and Capt. Retzmann, the 
naval attach^, were present, and the former made an ad- 
dress, closing with the sentiment, " By honoring the United 
States and being its best citizens, you honor your native 
land." 

Others who spoke were Col. Richard Mueller, of New 
York; Col. M. A. Winter, Col. Campbell, Capt. Siebert, of 
Baltimore; Capt. M. Milhauser, of Albany; Capt. W. Barg, 
of Philadelphia; Capt. Phil Baumann, of New York; Capt. 
L. C. Lechner, of this city; and H. Junkermann, of Omaha, 
Nebr. 

Delegations from kriegerbunds, or veterans' societies, 
were present, as follows: From New York, Philadelphia, 
Baltimore, Boston, Pittsburgh, and Wheeling, W. Va. 

TURNERS HOLD A KOMMERS 

Local turners of the Columbia Tumverein were hosts at 
a great German kommers at the National Rifles' Armory 
last evening to visiting turners and their families. An im- 
mense throng filled the great hall and enjoyed the special 
program prepared for the occasion. George W. Spier pre- 
sided at the exercises and Representative Bartholdt deliv- 
ered an address extolling the German system of physical 
culture and recommending the turners' schools to parents 
for their children. One of the most interesting personali- 
ties present was the mascot of the Twentieth Turner Reg- 
iment of New York, Mrs. Ottelie Gerth, who received an 



64 Statiie of Baron von Steuben 

ovation when she made an address recalling incidents of 
the Civil War. 

Mrs. Gerth has been closely associated with the turner 
regiment ever since the stirring days of 1861, when she 
presented it with a flag before its departure for the front, 
and afterwards, through tmtiring efforts, provided its mem- 
bers with necessary clothing, etc. 

Mrs. Gerth lives in a historic house at Fort Lee, N. J., 
whose quaint beauty is practically unchanged since the 
days when it played an important part in the councils of 
Revolutionary times. Mrs. Gerth declared that every turn 
hall is an altar of morality and patriotism, health and 
strength, and all parents should send their children there 
for instruction. 

IS WARMLY CONGRATULATED 

At the conclusion of her address, after the applause had 
subsided, many of the audience came forward to shake 
hands with Mrs. Gerth. She is the mother of Frank Gerth, 
the New York theatrical manager, and will be the guest 
of Lieut. W. H. Santelmann Thursday, before returning to 
her home. 

Others who spoke were Louis Hoffmann, of the Vor- 
waerts Turnverein, Baltimore; Theodore Gwermann, presi- 
dent of the Techniker Verein, Baltimore; Lieut. J. H. Mit- 
tendorf, late of the United States Navy; Richard Lieber, 
of the North American Tumerbund, and others. 

The following societies were represented: New York 
Turnverein, Utica Turnverein, Newark Turnverein, Wil- 
mington Turnverein, Philadelphia Tumgemeinde, Vor- 
waerts and Germania Turnverein of Baltimore, Richmond 
Turnverein, Lawrence (Mass.) Turnverein, Technischer 
Verein of Philadelphia. 

The committee in charge of the kommers was C. Ham- 
mel, H. Egolf, E. F. Juergensen, and A. R. Meisner. 



Nation's Tribute to von Steuben 65 

GERMAN PRESS COMMENT 

EXPRESS APPRECIATION OF ADDRESSES AT VON STEUBEN STATUE 

UNVEILING 

Berlin, December 8, igio. — To-day's papers feature the 
addresses delivered by President Taft, Count von Bemstorff, 
the German ambassador at Washington, and Representa- 
tive Bartholdt, of Missouri, on the occasion of the unveihng 
at Washington yesterday of the statue of Baron Freder- 
ick William von Steuben. 

The entire press comments with great satisfaction upon 
the kind things said by the speakers of Germans and Em- 
peror WilHam. 

84047°— 14 



PRESENTATION 
OF THE REPLICA 



POTSDAM, GERMANY 
SEPTEMBER 2, 1911 



PRESENTATION OF THE REPLICA OF THE 

STEUBEN STATUE TO HIS MAJESTY 

THE GERMAN EMPEROR 

Extension of the Remarks of Hon. James R. Mann, of Illinois, in the House 
of Representatives, Monday, August 5, 1912 

Mr. Speaker: Under leave to print recently granted I 
beg to insert in the Record an authentic account of the 
presentation of a replica of the Steuben Monument to 
Emperor William and of the unveiling ceremonies at 
Berlin on September 2, 191 1. The account is as follows: 

On December 21, 1909, Representative Richard Bar- 
tholdt, of Missouri, the author of the legislation which 
resulted in the erection of the Steuben Monument in the 
city of Washington, introduced the following bill in the 
House of Representatives: 

Be it enacted, etc.. That the expenditure of the sum of $5,000, or so much 
thereof as may be necessary, be, and the same is hereby, authorized to be 
made under the direction of the Secretary of State and the Joint Committee 
on the Library for the erection of a bronze replica of the statue of Gen. von 
Steuben, authorized to be erected in Washington; said replica to be pre- 
sented to His Majesty the German Emperor and the German nation in return 
for the statue of Frederick the Great, presented by the Emperor to the people 
of the United States. 

This bill, by the approval of the President, became a 
law on June 23, 1910, and in pursuance of its provisions 
the Secretary of State and the Joint Committee on the 
Library entered into contract with Mr. Albert Jaegers, 
the sculptor of the original Steuben Monument, for the 
preparation of the replica intended as a present for the 
German Emperor and the German nation. Inquiries 
directed to Berlin by the State Department as to the 
acceptability of such a statue had been answered afiirma- 

69 



70 Statue of Baron von Steuben 



tively even before the legislation was attempted. In the 
spring of 191 1 the artist had completed his work, and 
President Taft appointed the author of the legislation, 
Hon. Richard Bartholdt, and Mr. Charles B. WolfEram, of 
New York City, as "envoys extraordinary and plenipo- 
tentiary" to make the formal presentation to the German 
Emperor at Berlin. 

The departure of Mr. Bartholdt on his diplomatic mis- 
sion was made the occasion of a thoughtful little cere- 
mony on board of the steamer George Washington, of the 
North German Lloyd. On the afternoon before sailing — 
August 18, 191 1 — the New York Daughters of the Ameri- 
can Revolution tendered him a farewell reception in the 
large and beautifully decorated- dining room of the 
steamer. Mrs. Joseph Simeon Wood, the State regent 
of that organization, presided, and, after the hymn 
"America" had been sung, rose to say that no more fit- 
ting present could be offered to Germany by the United 
States than a statue of the great soldier and patriot, Gen. 
Steuben. In expressing his gratitude for the courtesy of 
the patriotic ladies, Mr. Bartholdt extolled Steuben's 
virtues as a citizen and soldier and briefly recounted the 
valuable services he had rendered his adopted country. 
He also referred to his mission as one of amity and peace, 
and rejoiced in the fact that, in accordance with the sin- 
cere desire of President Taft and Kaiser William, it would 
tend to strengthen the ties of friendship which had always 
united the two greatest civilizatory powers of modem 
times, America and Germany. Speeches were also made 
by Mrs. William Cumming Story, the former State regent; 
Mrs. Frances Roberts, of Utica, who called attention to 
the neglected condition of Steuben's grave and promised 
to enlist the support of the women of the Mohawk Valley 
for the work of properly restoring it; Mr. Edward O. 
Town; Dr. Ernst Richard; and Capt. Charles Polack, of 
the George Washington, who had complaisantly consented 
to be the host of the occasion. 



Presentation of the Replica 71 



This patriotic American celebration was followed the 
next morning by a serenade tendered by the Allied 
German Singers of New York, who sang American airs 
and songs of the fatherland up to the minute the big 
steamer left the Hoboken pier. 

By direction of the Emperor, the German Government 
had selected Potsdam, the historic suburb of Berlin, as 
the site for the Steuben Monument and the 2d of Sep- 
tember as the day for the ceremony of unveiling, both 
selections being highly significant of the importance which 
the Kaiser attached to the American gift. Admittedly, 
no more prominent place could have been chosen than the 
ancient home of Prussia's kings, and the 2d of September 
is even to-day a holiday in Germany, as it is the anni- 
versary of Napoleon's surrender at Sedan. What Ver- 
sailles is to Paris, Potsdam is to Berlin. Both great capi- 
tals are closely allied with those suburbs by historic 
memories, and neither the history of France nor that of 
the German Empire, especially of Prussia, would be com- 
plete without a proper appreciation of those imperial 
places of residence. Besides, both are equally renowned 
because of their castles, monuments, and beautiful parks. 
It was at Potsdam where, in times of peace, Prussia's 
ingenious King, Frederick the Great, delighted to rest, 
and where he built Sans Souci as his Tusculum, and here, 
in front of the old castle, a historical structure alive with 
memories of the great King, is the spot thoughtfully 
chosen for America's friendly gift. How eminently fit- 
ting this site is will be better understood when we re- 
member that Gen. Steuben, during the Seven Years' 
War, had been an officer in the army of Frederick the 
Great, and that the same King, of whom one is reminded 
at every step at Potsdam, had been his protector and 
friend. 

The most distinguishing feature of the ceremonies 
connected with the presentation and the unveiling of the 
Steuben Monument at Potsdam was the personal interest 



72 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

which the Kaiser evinced in them and which was apparent 
in every detail. Not only the Emperor himself, but 
almost the whole imperial family, graced the occasion 
with their presence, and nothing was left undone to empha- 
size the international importance of the event and to confer 
honorable distinction upon the two special envoys whom 
the United States had sent on so friendly a mission to the 
great German Empire. The EUte Body Company of the 
Guard Regiment marched up as a guard of honor, with 
Prince Joachim as flag officer, and the direct superiors, 
including the Crown Prince and General in Command von 
Loewenfeld. The Empress, too, witnessed the ceremony, 
viewing it from the windows of the old castle. In the 
suite of the Emperor were Princes August Wilhelm and 
Oskar; Imperial Chancellor von Bethmann-Holweg; Sec- 
retary of State von Kiderlin-Waechter ; Secretary of War 
Heeringen; Chief of the General Staff von Moltke; Lieut. 
Gen. von Steuben and other members of the Steuben 
family, all German relatives of the hero of the occasion; 
the gentlemen of the Imperial headquarters; the officers' 
corps of Potsdam and the cadets of Potsdam and Lich- 
terfelde; the administrative president for Potsdam, Count 
von der Schulenburg ; and finally the mayor and the police 
president of Potsdam. Among the Americans present, 
outside of the two special envoys, were Mrs. Bartholdt 
and Mrs. Wolff ram; the American ambassador. Dr. David 
Jayne Hill; the sculptor of the statue, Albert Jaegers, of 
New York; the members of the American Embassy at 
Berlin, including the military and naval attaches and 
four officers of the American Army, who at the time were 
the special guests of the Kaiser, having been sent to 
attend the German Army maneuvers; President Wolff, 
of the American Chamber of Commerce at Berlin; Col. 
Otto Stifel, of St. Louis; Dr. William C. Teichmann, the 
American consul at Stettin; and several other American 
citizens, all of whom had been specially invited by the 
Secretary of State. A part of the garrison and se\'eral 
thousand residents of the city also witnessed the ceremony. 




< 



i s 




Hon. Charles B. Wolffram. 
of New York City. 



Hon. Richard Bartholdt, 
of St. Louis, Mo. 



THE AMERICAN ENVOYS WHO PRESENTED THE STEUBEN REPLICA TO 
THE GERMAN EMPEROR ON BEHALF OF THE UNITED STATES. 



Presentation of the Replica 73 

The distinguished assemblage, half civil and half mili- 
tary, which had gathered in front of the veiled monument, 
presented quite an animated spectacle, whose effect was 
heightened by the bright sunshine of a warm September 
day. At 12 o'clock His Majesty the Emperor appeared, 
and after he had passed muster along the line of the guard 
of honor he took his stand in front of it and directly oppo- 
site the monument. The two special envoys of President 
Taft then stepped forward, and Hon. Richard Bartholdt, 
in addressing the Emperor and speaking in German, deliv- 
ered the formal presentation speech in a distinct and far- 
reaching voice. The fact that he used the German lan- 
guage was intended and recognized as a special courtesy 
to the Fatherland in return for the same courtesy shown 
to the American Nation when the German ambassador 
at Washington, in presenting the statue of Frederick 
the Great as the Kaiser's gift to the President of the 
United States, delivered his address in English. Mr. 
Bartholdt spoke as follows: 

Your Majesty, by direction of the President of the United States, we have 
come across the ocean to fulfill the purport of a resolution, unanimously 
adopted by the American Congress, providing for the presentation to His 
Majesty the German Emperor and the German people of a statue of Gen. 
VON Steuben, a great German and erstwhile citizen and hero of two conti- 
nents, as a gift from the American people. If, in the performance of this 
honorable mission, I may be permitted to interpret the sentiments of the 
people of the United States, I would say, on behalf of President Taft's 
special embass>', that the proffered donation is to be a pledge of peace and 
amity and a guaranty of the sincerity of the earnest hope, cherished by all 
Americans, that the effect of this ceremony may be to draw more and more 
closely tlie bonds of traditional friendship and good will which, strength- 
ened as they are by the ties of blood, have always so happily united the 
great German Empire with the great Republic of the West, the United 
States of America. 

The name of Steuben will ever awaken patriotic memories beyond the 
ocean. Its bearer was the embodiment of German order and discipline 
and of that loyalty of which the poet says, " If it were not as old as the 
world, surely a German would have invented it." He was not only the 
order-creating genius of the Colonial Army, but also the indefatigable, 
though modest, organizer of victories. In just appreciation of his great 
achievements a grateful people, nobly disregarding national distinctions, 
honored his memory by the erection in front of the White House in Wash- 
ington of a monument which is to commemorate his valuable services, as 



74 Statue of Baron -von Steuben 

well as those reBdered by the Germans generally to the cause of American 
independence. And to-day's celebration? It is verily a beautiful act of 
international courtesy, but may we not also interpret the ready acceptance 
of this statue as a just and generous willingness on the part of Steuben's 
old fatherland and its exalted sovereign to appreciate and honor those 
who by their conduct abroad have added luster to the German name? 
Millions of hearts on the other side of the Atlantic, which throb warmly 
on account of this dedication, will rejoice exultantly at such interpretation. 

From the material to the political and ideal significance of to-day's act 
is but a step. The peace President extends to the peace Kaiser, under 
whose reign tlie phrase "The Empire is the peace" has been verified, the 
hand of friendship for hearty cooperation in the peaceful solution of the 
great problems of civilization. And are there two other nations which, 
resting upon the tradition of tmdisturbed friendship and looking forward 
to a futtu'e of still closer relations, could more justly feel called upon to 
make common cause in the great humanizing tasks of otir time, in the pro- 
motion of art and science, and in all tendencies looking to the increased 
welfare of the people? We live in a time of international conciliation and 
have come to realize that peaceful development is of more transcendent 
importance than all that is now dividing the nations; and Germany's 40 
years of peace is an ample guaranty to America that it requires but an 
incentive in order to crystallize mutual sympathy into a political fact. 
May this beautiful ceremony hasten such a happy consummation. 

As special envoys of the President of the United States we have the 
distinguished honor of asking Your Majesty to accept this statue as a token 
of the sincere friendship of the American Government and people for 
Your Majesty and the people of Germany. 

The Emperor, who seemed greatly pleased with the ad- 
dress, saluted the speaker, and, taking from the hands of an 
adjutant a roll of paper, read the following response: 

With sincere gratitude I accept the monument which, by direction of 
the President of the United States of America and in pursuance of a 
gracious act of Congress, you are presenting to me and the German people 
as a gift from the American people. When a few months ago the Steuben 
Monument was unveiled at Washington the celebration was followed with 
great interest everywhere in Germany, and it was noted with lively satis- 
faction how elevating and impressive it was and how active was the par- 
ticipation in it on the part of the Government and the people. Now we 
rejoice to have on German soil, too, a statue, dedicated by America, of 
that brave German who, with enthusiastic devotion and sublimely sim- 
ple performance of duty, consecrated his services to the cause of the 
American people. 

The words with which you gave eloquent expression to the significance 
of the monument and of this celebration find a ready response in the 
German Empire. You have justly referred to the blood relationship and 
the uninterrupted friendship which luiite and always shall more closely 



Presentation of the Replica 75 

unite the German and American Nations. I beg you to accept my grati- 
tude and that of the German people for coming here and presenting to us 
this beautiful monument, and let me venture the expectation that you 
will kindly convey these our sentiments to the President and the people 
of the United States. 

The Kaiser looked exceedingly well and spoke with a 
strong voice. With his last words he gave the signal for 
the unveiling, and with the accompaniment of an inspir- 
ing military march the cover fell, the Kaiser standing in 
front of the monument and saluting with his hand raised 
to the helmet. For a few minutes he seemed to inspect 
the piece of art before him with the critical look of a con- 
noisseur. He then turned to greet Lieut. Gen. von 
Steuben, a direct descendant of the "hero of two worlds," 
and Ambassador Hill, who in turn introduced the two 
American envoys, Messrs. Bartholdt and Wolff ram. The 
Kaiser shook hands with them in the most cordial man- 
ner and engaged them in a lengthy conversation, in the 
course of which he again expressed his appreciation of 
the American gift. \\'Tien Mr. Bartholdt asked whether 
an introduction to His Majest)^ of the sculptor who had 
created the original monument as well as the replica 
would be agreeable, the Kaiser willingly assented, where- 
upon Mr. Albert Jaegers stepped forward and was warmly 
greeted as well as complimented by the Sovereign, who had 
previously conferred upon him the fourth-class Order of 
the Red Eagle as an evidence of his appreciation of the 
monument as to its artistic merits. The march past the 
statue of the guard of honor in parade step concluded 
the ceremony, which marked a most pleasant and mem- 
orable event in the diplomatic history of the two great 
countries concerned. Let us hope that Americans visit- 
ing Germany will not neglect to view the delightful spot 
where our great Republic, in language of bronze, pro- 
claims to the people of his own fatherland its lasting grati- 
tude for Steuben's great services. 

At I o'clock a midday dinner was served in the marble 
hall of the royal castle which His Majesty had graciously 



76 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

arranged in honor of the occasion and of the American 
envoys, Messrs. Bartholdt and Wolffram. To the right 
of the Emperor sat Mr. Richard Bartholdt, the Imperial 
Chancellor, and the secretary of the American Legation, 
Mr. Laughlin; to his left Mr. Charles B. Wolffram, the 
Secretary of State von Kiderlin-Waechter, and Maj. Gen. 
Wotherspoon, of the American Army. Opposite the 
Kaiser were seated the crown prince and the other royal 
princes, Ambassador Hill, and Gen. Garlington, of the 
American Army. Altogether the distinguished guests 
numbered between 70 and 80. A vivacious and imcon- 
strained conversation between the imperial host and his 
American guests was one of the delightful features of the 
feast, which lasted nearly an hour. In the course of it 
the Emperor rose and asked those present to raise their 
glasses and drink the health of the American people and 
President Taft. Indeed, he was in the best of humor 
and showed by his words and actions that the signifi- 
cance and success of the celebration afforded him genu- 
ine satisfaction. All his references to the United States 
in his conversation with the American representatives 
were made in the spirit of a warm personal interest and 
admiration. 

During the dinner he sent the. following telegram to 
President Taft: 

The Steuben Monument has been unveiled. In my name and that of 
the German people I thank you most heartily for the beautiful gift which 
is so gratifying an evidence of the friendship between the German and 
American nations. 

President Taft responded as follows: 

I sincerely appreciate your cordial message which advised me of the im- 
veiling of the Steuben replica and conveyed your gratitude and that of the 
German people for the gift. It will give me great pleasiu-e to communicate 
Your Majesty's message to Congress, at the opening of its session in Decem- 
ber, as an evidence of the cordial relations which have always existed be- 
tween the United States and the German Empire. 

With the Kaiser dinner the official part of the ceremo- 
nies was concluded. It was followed by a limcheon given 



Presentation of the Replica 77 

by Secretary- of State von Kiderlin-W'aechter, at which 
the two American envoys and Ambassador Hill were the 
guests of honor. XIr. Bartholdt sat to the right and ilr. 
Wolffram to the left of the host, and Dr. Hill was seated 
opposite him. It was at the same time a farewell to the 
latter, as he had resigned his post and was about to return 
to the United States. The secretan.- of state took occasion 
to express his deep regret at Dr. Hill's departure from Ber- 
lin, and the Emperor himself had pre\nou5ly expressed a 
like sentiment. It seems the distinguished statesman and 
diplomatist who represented us in the German capital had 
succeeded in a comparatively short time in making himself 
"persona gratissima" at the Berlin court, ilr. von Kiderlin- 
Waechter proved himself a charming host, and as at that 
particular time he was conducting the negotiations ■R'ith 
France about Morocco the guests were treated to many 
an interesting observation touching that serious contro- 
versy. The German secretan,* of state is plain and unas- 
suming in speech and manners, but unquestionably one of 
the most interesting men in international public life to-day. 
The accoimt of the Stet.'bev days in Berlin would not be 
complete without a mention of a deUghtful private dinner 
given by Mr. Charles B. Wolffram in honor of his colleague, 
Mr. Bartholdt, at the Hotel Adlon. It was on the evening 
of the dedication, when all were still in an animated mood. 
What kitchen and cellar of that renowned hostelr%- coidd 
pro\-ide was at the disposal of the 22 guests, all Americans, 
and when the host, Mr. Wolffram, rose to propose the 
health of President Taft there was that enthusiastic re- 
sponse which is possible only when Americans meet on for- 
eign soil and are reminded of their beloved coimtrj'. Among 
the guests on this occasion were, besides those already 
mentioned, Mrs. Bartholdt, Mrs. Wolffram and daughters, 
Dr. and Mrs. Hill, Mr. Laughlin, secretan.- of the Ameri- 
can legation, and two xmdersecretaries. Consul and Mrs. 
W. C. Teichmann, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Jaegers, Col. Otto 
Stifel, of St. Louis, Mrs. C. Royce and her daughter. Miss 



78 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

Jennie Thompson (also from St. Louis), Fred. Achenbach, 
of the Treasmy Department, Miss Campbell, of New York, 
and others. 

Having performed this honorable mission, the two spe- 
cial envoys returned to the United States, and upon their 
arrival in New York were tendered a great ovation by sev- 
eral hundred German-Americans who had arranged a 
banquet in their honor. Whatever tends to strengthen 
the bonds of friendship between their adopted country 
and the Fatherland always meets with spontaneous and 
enthusiastic approval and support on the part of Ameri- 
can citizens of German birth and extraction, and the mis- 
sion of Messrs. Bartholdt and WolfFram was justly re- 
garded as a means to that end. Hence the dinner proved 
an exceptional success in every respect. President Taft 
was lauded by the speakers for having bestowed the 
honor of such an important mission upon two German- 
Americans. 

All the most influential newspapers of Germany com- 
mented most favorably on the Potsdam ceremony and its 
significance. Some of those comments may find space 
here: 

[Norddeutsche Allgemeine Zeitune (semiofficial)] 

The solemn ceremonial at Potsdam again directed general attention to 
the old historic relations between Germany and the United States of Amer- 
ica which date back to the days of the war of the Colonies for independence. 
We in Germany fully appreciate the special pride with which our kinsmen 
who found a second home on the other side of the ocean regard our distin- 
guished common countryman, and we feel a high gratification at the honors 
which the whole American Nation, conscious of his great services in the 
darkest hour of its history, now confers upon the leader and fellow citizen 
who has come from German stock. In the four generations which have 
passed since those struggles the United States have received a rich supply 
of valuable forces through German immigration. On all fields Germans 
have contributed to the development of the Union and its present interna- 
tional prestige, not the least on the field of intellectual labor as teachers, 
scientists, and authors. Among the most distinguished living representa- 
tives of German literature and interpreters of German culture in America 
are the two special envoys, Bartholdt and Wolffram, who are commissioned 
to represent the American Nation at to-morrow's celebration. 



Presentation of the Replica 79 

[Frankfurter Zeitung] 

At Potsdam to-day the German Emperor was presented with a monu- 
ment of Gen. VON Steuben by two emissaries from the United States. 
That it occurred on September 2 is probably an accident, yet it may be 
regarded as a good omen that the anniversary of the greatest victory which 
German arms ever achieved should be commemorated with such a peace- 
ful celebration, a celebration of the manifold close relations and of the 
friendly feeling existing between the two great nations. And, by the way, 
tlie historic period to which the new monument in Potsdam carries back 
our thoughts is a time of common memories also for the two peoples which 
met on the battle field 41 years ago. France and Prussia are tlie two coun- 
tries which, more than any others, showed recognition and friendship to 
the American Colonies fighting for their liberty, and the two first military 
names which are prominent in the history of the Revolutionary War, next 
to that of tlie great George Washington, are those of a Frenchman and a 
German, Marquis Lafayette and Gen. VON Steuben. For a long time 
American history has failed to sufficiently appreciate the services and the im- 
portance of Steuben. This was not due to ill will either against the person or 
his nationality, but to the somewhat naive overrating of a few spectacular 
military actions, which, however, were much less apt to bring final vic- 
tory than the quiet work of organization which Steuben performed for 
Washington's armies. During the last few years the more serious histo- 
rians of tlie New World, perhaps as a result of German-American protests, 
have endeavored to atone for previous neglect in this direction. 

This change in favor of a better appreciation through increased study 
and understanding applies not only to the memory of the old general, but 
the relations of the two nations — the German and the American people^ 
seem to undergo a similar evolution. On the other side of the ocean the 
opinion prevailed for a long time that Americans were very unpopular, 
if not detested, in Germany. With us there were at times similar opin- 
ions of the sentiments of Uncle Sam toward the German "Michel." In 
fact, however, real public opinion was at no time as hostile, either there 
or here, as the other side imagined, not even during the Spanish War and 
the years immediately following it of semiofficial strain between Wash- 
ington and Berlin. With us Germans, the faculty to hate other nations 
has never been strong and certainly never general. The tradition of over- 
estimation, admiration, and imitation of what is foreign has been too 
strong as an inheritance of long political disruption, and, apart from the 
small abnormal group of pan-German cranks, has not entirely disappeared 
even to-day. So far as Americans were really unpopular with us, the rea- 
sons for this feeling were not political, but were to be ascribed to purely 
human motives. There were and are no material differences of interest 
between Germany and the United States, and in Germany the mass of 
the people, as well as the nonpolitical influential circles, have always 
been conscious of this fact. But it would be foolish to deny that there 
were and, though rapidly disappearing, there still are strong human, or, 
let us say, cultural differences. These differences, namely, idealism and 



8o Statue of Baron von Steuben 



settled culture on the one hand and materialism and upstart civilization 
on the other, have never existed to the extent that one has imagined on 
this side of the Atlantic. In the first place, they were not contrasts be- 
tween Americans and Germans, but between the youthful growing popu- 
lation of the largest modem colonial country and the historically grown 
nations of the Old World. Upstart and self-made man are really two sides 
of the same thing, only the European has coined the word for the dark 
side and the American for the bright side. The old nations note the 
shortcomings of the new upstart who boasts of his feats, and by thus brag- 
ging makes himself doubly disliked with the grown people. So Ameri- 
cans have found little sympathy in most of the old civilized countries. 
Germany has made no exception in this respect, but public sentiment 
here has wonderfully changed during the last lo years. We appreciate 
more and more that those human national contrasts have been partly over- 
estimated and are partly disappearing. The better we learn to know the 
American the more we can overlook appearances and the peculiarities of 
his manners, the more we perceive the genuine idealism, the great moral 
values, the splendid innate health which that young Nation develops with 
so much energy and understanding. We Germans, who ourselves were 
newly bom as a united and strong people 40 years ago, realize more 
and more generally how much we have in common with the great American 
Nation with respect to economical development as well as the evolution of 
national character. So far, then, as there existed sentimental contrasts be- 
tween us and the United States, we, in the first place, simply shared 
them with other European nations; and, secondly, they were largely based 
upon an insufficient knowledge of the American character. 

These contrasts were looked upon quite differently on the other side of the 
Atlantic Ocean. There temporary ill will toward Germany originated not 
from human but from political unpopularity, but, in fact, from political mis- 
conception. Public opinion in the United States has been loath to give up the 
idea that the German Empire had aggressive intentions, in the main, within 
the sphere of the Monroe doctrine. Even to-day Americans are not quite free 
from suspicion, no matter how often and how sincerely and impressively Ger- 
many may give contrary assurances. However, in the last few years we have 
learned to know each other better, and this better knowledge produced a better 
understanding, which gradually dissipated the differences for which there are 
no serious and permanent causes on either side. 

[Stettiner Abendpost] 

The address which Congressman Bartholdt delivered in presenting the 
Steuben Statue to the Kaiser gives expression to the speaker's admiration for 
German ideals and is at the same time a demonstration for peace, which is the 
more significant in these turbulent days. On the part of Germany the sincere 
wish has always been uppermost to maintain the best possible relations with 
the United States, and especially has everything been done under William II 
to strengthen them in every direction. The Kaiser has intimated on several 
occasions and before all the world that his efforts were directed toward a better 
mutual understanding of the two nations, and that to his knowledge no think- 



Presentation of the Replica 8i 

ing man on this or the other side of the ocean believed in the possibility of 
a disturbance of the harmony and the continuance of our common interests. 
Both peoples, he said, were too much dependent upon each other through 
their mutual interests. The sovereign has also expressed the conviction 
that the hundreds of thousands of Germans who live in the United States, 
and who in their hearts have maintained their affection for tlie old Father- 
land, were paving the way for the undisturbed development of these mutual 
relations. 

These sentiments are imdoubtedly shared by millions on the other side 
of the Atlantic, but, alas, there are also other millions there who are more or less 
unfriendly to Germany. As to this we should not be deceived, even by the 
fact that within the last few years these unfriendly views have been less 
emphatic and that the jingo press has been more reserved. Under all cir- 
cumstances it will be well to appraise the assurances of friendship, how- 
ever sincere they may be at the time, in accordance with real conditions 
and to take them cum grano salis. 

The movement in favor of international peace, which has recently made 
such great progress in America, also finds an echo in Mr. Bartholdt's address. 
We, too, fully appreciate the idea, and the German people have often enough 
demonstrated how highly they value the preservation of the peace. Never- 
theless there are still many obstacles in the way of a realization of the idea 
to seciu-e lasting international peace, and the fate of the American arbi- 
tration treaties shows that the perception of this question is not wholly 
clear even in the United States. Germany will, as far as she can, fur- 
tlier the initiative of President Taft in every way, and is willing to 
negotiate an arbitration treaty with America, but the value of such 
treaties it seems is being somewhat overestimated at Washington. In 
any event, we shall rejoice if the good relations which already unite us 
with ofEcial America can be further strengthened and, in the interest 
of peaceful progress, recorded black on white; and it affords us great satis- 
faction that the assurances of friendship and peace are given us at a 
time when the political horizon is full of threatening clouds. 
8464?°— 14 6 



PROCEEDINGS 
IN CONGRESS 



RELATING TO 
BARON STEUBEN 



CONTINENTAL CONGRESS 

[Extracts from the Journals of the Continental Congress] 
TUESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1778 

A letter * * * * of the 6th December, from Baron 
DE Steuben,' at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, with smidry 
letters, recommending him to Congress; * * * were 
read. 

Note. — Steuben's letter, which is in the Papers of the Continental Congress 
No. 19, V, folio 547, reads as follows: 

"Portsmouth, December 6, 1777. 

"Honorable Gentlemen: 

"The honor of serv'ing a respectable Nation, engaged in the noble enterprize 
of defending its rights and Liberty, is the only motive that brought me over 
to this Continent. I ask neither riches nor titles. I am come here from the 
remotest end of Germany at my own expence, and have given up an honorable 
and lucrative rank; I have made no condition with yom- Deputies in France, 
nor shall I make any with you. My only ambition is to serve you as a Volun- 
teer, to deserve the confidence of yotu- General in Chief, and to follow him in 
all his operations, as I have done during seven campaigns with the King of 
Prussia. Two and twenty years past at such a school, seem to give me a right 
of thinking myself in the number of experienced Officers; and if I am Possessor 
of some talents in the Art of War, they should be much dearer to me, if I could 
employ them in the service of a Republick, such as I hope soon to see America. 
I should willingly pinchase at my whole Blood's Expence the honor of seeing 
one Day my Name after those of the defenders of your Liberty. Your gracious 
acceptance will be sufficient for me, and I ask no other favotir than to be 
received among your Officers. I dare hope you will agree [to] this my Request, 
and that you will be so good as to send me your Orders to Boston, where I shall 
expect them, and accordingly take convenient measures. 

"I have the honour to be, with respect, honorable gentlemen, 
"Your most obedient and very humble servant, 

"Steuben." 

1 Steuben was the son of Major Wilhehn Augustin von Steuben, a Prussian army ofBcer and a 
knight of the Prussian ordre pour le mcrite. Steuben, however, used the name "de Steuben" 
on various occasions instead of his family name "von Steuben." In signing his name, though, he 
generally wrote simply "Stextben." The use of "de" instead of "von" by Steuben was due, 
perhaps, to his close association with French ofiicers both in France and America and to his fre- 
quent use of their language, many of his letters and documents being written in French, The 
Steuben Statue Commission, after a careful investigation of the matter, decided upon "von 
Steuben" as the correct name of the Baron. The Society of the Cincinnati, however, records 
Steuben's name as "de Steuben." which appears in many of its documents, some of them 
having been prepared by Steuben himself. 

85 



86 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 1778 

Whereas the Baron Steuben, a Ueutenant general in 
foreign service, has, in a most disinterested and heroic 
manner, offered his services to these states in the quality 
of a volunteer: 

Resolved, That the president present the thanks of Con- 
gress, in behalf of these United States, to the Baron Steuben, 
for the zeal he has shewn for the cause of America, and the 
disinterested tender he has been pleased to make of his 
miHtary talents; and inform him, that Congress cheerfully 
accept of his service as a volunteer in the army of these 
states, and wish him to repair to General Washington's 
quarters as soon as convenient.' 

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1778 

A letter,^ of the 17th, from the Board of War, was read; 
Whereupon, 

Resolved, That Mons. de Pontifere ' be appointed a captain 
of horse by brevet, and that Mons. de Ponceaux,' secretary 
to the Baron Steuben, have the brevet rank of a captain in 
the army of the United States: That Congress approve the 
proceedings of the Board of War with respect to Baron 
Steuben. 

MONDAY, APRIL 20, 1878 

A letter, of 9, from Baron Steuben * * * were read: 
Ordered, That they be referred to the Board of Treasury. 

' Soon after his arrival in the United States. Baron Stbdben proceeded to York Town. Pa., 
where the Continental Congress was in session. He stayed there from February s to 19, 1778. 
A committee of Congress consisting of Mr. Witherspoon, Mr. McKean. Mr. F. L. Lee. and Mr. 
Henry was appointed to confer with Stbubbn about his service in the Continental Army, and 
they reported to Congress in the following words, viz: 

"The Baron Steuben, who was a lieutenant general, and aid-de-camp to the king of Prussia, 
desires no rank, is willing to attend General Washington, and be subject to his orders; does not 
require or desire any command of a particular corps or division, but will serve occasionally as 
directed by the general; expects to be of use in planning encampments, etc.. and promoting the 
discipline of the army. He heard before he left France of the dissatisfaction of the Americans 
with the promotion of foreign officers, therefore makes no terms, nor will accept of any thing but 
with general approbation, and particularly Uiat of General Washington." 

The foregoing report was not entered on the Journals of Congress, but is printed in the Amer- 
ican State Papers. Class IX, Claims, p. ij. 

•This letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress. No. 147. I. foUo 525. 

' Aids to Steuben who accompanied him from France to the United States. 



Proceedings in Congress 87 



MONDAY, MAY 4, 1778 

A letter of the 30 April from Gen. Washington, was read: 

Ordered, That it be referred to a committee of three: the 

members chosen, Mr. R. H. Lee, Mr. Drayton and Mr. Chase. 

Note. — This letter from Washington is in tlie Papers of the Continental 
Congress No. 152, V, folio 535. It refers to Steuben's position in the Army 
and reads, in part, as follows: 

"The extensive ill consequences arising from a want of imiformity in dis- 
cipline and maneuvers tliroughout the army, have long occasioned me to wish 
for the establishment of a well-organized inspectorship, and the concurrence 
of Congress in the same views has induced me to set on foot a temporary insti- 
tution, which, from the success that has hitherto attended it, gives me the 
most flattering expectations, and will, I hope, obtain their approbation. 

"Baron DE Steuben's length of service in the first military school in Europe, 
and his former rank, pointed him out as a person peculiarly qualified to be 
at the head of tliis department; this appeared the least exceptionable way of 
introducing him into the army, and one that would give him the most ready 
opportunity of displaying his talents. I therefore proposed to him to under- 
take the office of Inspector General, which he agreed to with the greatest 
cheerfulness, and has performed the duties of it with a zeal and intelligence 

equal to our wishes. 

* * * * * 

"1 should do injustice, if I were to be longer silent with regards to the 
merits of the Baron DE Steuben. His knowledge of his profession, added 
to the zeal which he has discovered since he began upon the functions of his 
office, lead me to consider him as an acquisition to the service, and to recom- 
mend him to the attention of Congress. His expectations with regard to rank 
extend to that of Major General. His finances, he ingenuously confesses, will 
not admit of his serving without the incident emoluments, and Congress, I 
presume, from his character and their own knowledge of him, will, without 
difficulty, gratify him in these particulars. 

"The Baron is sensible that our situation requires a few variations, in the 
duties of his office, from the general practice in Europe, and particularly 
that they must necessarily be more comprehensive, in which, as well as in his 
instructions, he has skillfully yielded to circumstances. 

"The success which has hitherto attended the plan, enables me to request, 
with confidence, the ratification of Congress, and is, I think, a pledge of the 
establishment of a well combined general system, which insurmountable 
obstacles have hitherto opposed." 

TUESDAY, MAY 5, 1778 

The committee, to whom was referred the letter of 30 
April, from General Wasliington, brought in a report: 
Whereupon, 



88 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

Resolved, That Congress approve General Washington's 
plan for the institution of a well organized inspectorship : 

That the Baron Steuben be appointed to the office of 
inspector general, with the rank and pay of major general; 
his pay to commence from the time he joined the army and 
entered into the service of the United States : 

That there be two ranks of inspectors, under the direc- 
tion of the inspector general, the first to superintend two 
or more brigades, and the other to be charged with the 
inspection of only one brigade. 

SATURDAY, MAY 9, 1778 

The Marine Committee, to whom the letter from Baron 
Steuben, recommending Captain Landais (of the French 
navy) was referred, report * * * Whereupon, 

Resolved, That Captain Landais be continued as a captain 
in the navy of the United States. 

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 1778 

A letter,* of i6th, from Baron Steuben, was read. 

TUESDAY, MAY 26, 1778 

Resolved, That the quarter master general be directed to 
furnish Baron Steuben with two good horses for his use. 

TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 1778 

The Commissioners of claims at the Board of Treasury 
report ,- 

That there is due to Mrs. E. Swoope, for lodging & board- 
ing Baron Steuben, his two aids, and two servants, 13 days, 
104 dollars. 

Ordered, That said account be paid. 

SATURDAY, JULY 11, 1778 

The Committee on the Treasury brought in a report^; 
Whereupon, 

* This letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 164, folio 134. 

2 This report, dated June 22, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 136, II, folio 379. 

' This report is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 136, II, folio 397. 



Proceedings in Congress 89 

Ordered, That a warrant issue on John Gibson, Esq!', audi- 
tor general, for fifteen hundred dollars, in favour of John 
Hancock, Esq"', it being the sum of thirteen hundred dollars 
advanced Baron Steuben, at Boston, to enable him to 
prosecute his journey to confer with Congress at York town; 
and for two hundred dollars, the price of a horse delivered 
to the said Baron, who is to be accountable for the sum of 
1,500 dollars. 

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 17 78 

The Committee to whom was referred the letter from 
General Washington, relative to Baron Steuben, brought 
in a report : 

The Committee to whom General Washington's letter relative to the Baron 
Steuben, etc., etc., was committed, beg leave to report that they have had an 
Interview with the Baron, and have examined and attended to the proposals 
laid before them by that Gentleman, and having fully considered the Nature 
and Necessity of a well regulated Inspectorship for the Army of the United 
States; do Recommend the following Resolutions to be adopted by Congress; 
but as the well being of the Army in their opinion greatly depends on this 
important Office being established on the best military Principles, the Com- 
mittee recommend that the said Resolutions previous to their being finally 
Passed by Congress, be sent to the Commander in Chief for his perusal and 
observations thereon, and those of any General Officer to whom he may think 
to communicate them. 

Resolved, That an Inspector General of the Armies of the United States be 
appointed, with the Rank, Pay and Rations of a Major General. 

Resolved, That the Baron dE Steuben be appointed Inspector General of 
the Armies of the United States. 

* * » « » 

Ordered, That it be referred to General Washington, and 
that he be desired to consider the same, and return it to 
Congress, with his opinion and observations thereon. 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 1778 

Resolved, That Baron Steuben be requested forthwith, to 
repair to Rhode Island, and give his advice and assistance to 
General Sullivan, and the army under his command. 



90 Statue of Baron -von Steuben 

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1778 

Congress took into consideration sundry reports from the 
Board of War, and thereupon came to the following reso- 
lutions : 

War Office, August 29, 1778. 

Present Mr. Peters, Mr. Pickering. 

The Board having considered the cases of Messrs. Fiihrer and Kleinschmit, 
lately first lieutenant in the Hessian corps in the service of the King of Great 
Britain, as stated in the letter of His Excellency Gen. Washington, referred 
to this board on the 18"" inst., having also conferred with the Baron SteubEN 
on the subject, are of opinion 

Resolved, That a new corps of troops be raised by the 
name of the German volunteers, to consist of such deserters 
from the foreign troops, which have been or shall be in the 
service of the king of Great Britain, as shall be disposed 
freely to inlist therein. * * * That Lieutenants Fearer 
[Fiihrer] and Kleinsmit [Kleinschmit] have, for the present, 
the pay of captains in the service of the United States, etc. 

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1778 

A letter,' of 5, from Baron Steuben, was read. 
Ordered, That it be referred to the Board of War. 

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1778 

A report of the committee on General Washington's letter, 
relative to Baron Steuben, which was referred to General 
Washington, being returned, with the General's observa- 
tions thereon, the same was read: 

Ordered, That the report and observations be referred to 
the Committee of arrangement, and that they be directed to 
prepare a plan of regulations for the inspectorship, agreeable 
to the said report and observations. 

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1778 

The Board of War, to whom was referred the letter of the 
Baron Steuben, relative to Mons. John Temant, having 
reported thereon. Congress took into consideration their 
report; and whereupon, 

^ This letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 164, folio 146. 



Proceedings in Congress 91 

Resolved, That Mr. John Ternant be appointed a heu- 
tenant colonel in the service of the United States, and be 
ordered to repair to South Carolina forthwith, to perform the 
duties of inspector to the troops in the service of these States 
in South Carolina and Georgia, etc. 

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1778 

A letter,' of 13, from General Washington, was read, 
relative to the inspectorship under Baron SteubEN. 

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1778 

A letter,^ of 26th, from Baron Steuben, was read: 
Ordered, That it be referred to the Board of War. 

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1778 

A letter,^ of 28 November, from Baron SteubEN, was read: 

Ordered, That it be referred to the Board of War, who are 

directed to pay immediate and particular attention to the 

matter referred to in the letter, that the same may be carried 

into effect without delay. 

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1779 

Congress took into consideration the reports * of the com- 
mittee, appointed to confer with the Commander in Chief; 
and thereupon, agreed to the following 

Plan for the Department of Inspector General: 

Resolved, That there be an inspector general to the armies 
of the United States, with the rank of major general, who, 
in all future appointments, shall be taken from the line of 
major generals: 

That the duty of the inspector general shall principally 
consist in forming a system of regulations, for the exercise of 
the troops, in the manual evolutions and manoeuvres, for 

* The letter of Washington is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 153, VI, folio 485. 

* This letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress. No. 164, foUo 150. 

* This letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 164, folio 154. 

* This report is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 147. IV. folio 83. 



92 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

the service of guards and detachments, and for camp and 
garrison duty: 

That the inspector general, and his assistants, shall review 
the troops at such times and places, and receive such returns 
for that purpose, as the Commander in Chief, or commanding 
officer in a detachment, shall direct; at which reviews, he or 
they shall inspect the number and condition of the men, 
their discipline and exercise, the state of their arms, accoutre- 
ments, and cloaths; observing what of these articles have 
been lost or spoiled since last review, and, as nearly as pos- 
sible, by what means; reporting the same, with the deficien- 
cies and neglects, to the Commander in Chief, or the com- 
manding officer of a detachment, and to the Board of War. 

That all new manoeuvres shall be introduced by the in- 
spector general, and all old ones performed according to the 
established principles, imder his superintendency : but he 
shall not introduce or practice any regulations relative to the 
objects of his department, save such as are made and estab- 
lished in the manner following: All regulations whatsoever 
to be finally approved and established by Congress. But the 
exigence of the service requiring it, temporary ones may, 
from time to time, be introduced by the inspector general 
with the approbation of the Commander in Chief, Etc 

That the inspector general, so far as relates to the inspec- 
tion of the army, be subject to the orders of Congress, the 
Board of War, and the Commander in Chief only. 

That there be allowed to the inspector general, in con- 
sideration of the extraordinary expences which attend the 
execution of his office, 84 dollars per month, in addition to 
the pay and rations of a major general, heretofore provided. 

War Office, January 22d, 1779. 
The Board having frequently conversed with the Baron Steuben are clearly 
convinced, not only from the little value of our money and tlie extraordinar)'' 
expences to which he is liable, but from his positive assurances that he has been 
obliged to draw a very large sum from his estate in Europe, which, altho, 
sufficient for his moderate support there, will not afford a diminution of the 
capital. He has, however, been obliged to draw such an amoimt as to decrease 
his capital, and from all circumstances there appears a probability of losing 



Proceedings in Congress 93 

this valuable Officer unless some allowance is made him sufficient for his 
support. 

He appears to be frugal and moderate in his expences, and by no means of an 
extravagant turn. He desires either to have his expences borne, of which he 
will render an account, and in that case he will throw in his pay; or that Con- 
gress will be pleased to ascertain the sum they will allow him for his support. 
He also seems to expect some indemnification for the expences of his voyage 
and otlier extra expences. As he is a foreigner of estimation in Europe , it can- 
not be expected that he will make those pecuniary sacrifices American Officers 
submit to, and more especially as he has inducements to return to Europe, 
where from his character and connexions he will not be at a loss for employ- 
ment. The Board therefore thought it their duty to represent this matter to 
Congress, and as his case may be properly considered- as an exception', any 
thing done for him need not be expected by futiu'e Inspector Generals. The 
Board therefore with submission, propose that the pay of the Department shall 
be fixed without reference to the Baron, and that in consideration of his ex- 
pence and other services he has rendered it be resolved. 

That the Baron Steuben (besides tlie pay established for that Office by Con- 
gress) be allowed the sum of 84 dollars pr Month while in the service, as In- 
spector General of the Army of the United States, and that the sum of 4000 dol- 
lars be paid him, he to be accountable.' 

FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 1779 

A letter ^ of 27 February, from Baron Steuben was read. 

MONDAY, MARCH 29, 1779 

A letter, of 25, from Baron Steuben was read, accom- 
panied with a system of regulations for the infantry of 
the United States; also, a letter from the Board of War, rep- 
resenting that Baron Steuben, inspector general, has formed 
a system of exercise and discipline for the infantry of the 
United States; that the same has been submitted to the 
inspection of the Commander in Chief, and his remarks 
thereon and amendments incorporated in the work; that it 
has been examined with attention by the Board, and is highly 
approved, as being calculated to produce important advan- 

' This report is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 147. III. folio 197- It bears an 
indorsement in the writing of Charles Thomson: 

"In Congress, April 12, 1779. 

" Congress resimied the consideration of the letter of 22 January and 2 April, 1779. relative to an 
allowance to be made to Baron Steuben for his expences, and to LieutenantCoIonel Fleuryand 
others, for extra services in assisting the Baron in formulating regulations for the order and disci- 
pline of the army. After debate. Ordered. That they be referred to the Board of Treasurj'." 

2 Steuben's letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 164, folio 169. 



94 Statue of Baron von Steuben 



tages to the states; and therefore praying "that it may 
receive the sanction of Congress, and be committed to the 
press:"' Whereupon, 

Congress passed the following order, to be prefixed to the 
said regulations for the order and discipline of the troops of 
the United States : 

Congress judging it of the greatest importance to prescribe 
some invariable rules for the order and discipline of the 
troops, especially for the purpose of introducing an uni- 
formity in their formation and mancEuvres, and in the 
service of the camp : 

Ordered, That the following regulations be observed by all 
the troops of the United States, and that all general and other 
officers cause the same to be executed with all possible 
exactness. 

Ordered, That the Board of War cause as many copies 
thereof to be printed as they shall deem requisite for the use 
of the troops. 

SATIIRDAY, APRIL 3, 1779 

War Office, 2nd April, 1779. 
The Board have been witnesses of the great diligence and attention of 
Colonel Fleury, Captains Walker, L 'Enfant and Duponceaux, during the 
Baron Steuben's having been employed in forming the regulations of his 
Department. Notwithstanding the Baron's superior knowledge of the subject, 
there were subordinate assistances necessary, which were with great attention 
and labour afforded him by these gentlemen in the several branches assigned 
them. We have the honor to enclose the Baron's letter ^ on that subject, and 
beg to report: 

Colonel Fleury, Captains Walker, L'Enfant and Duponceaux, having re- 
sided at Philadelphia for several months past and assisted Baron Steuben in 
forming tlie regulations for the order and discipline of the troops of these 
States, which has subjected them to many extraordinary expences, in con- 
sideration thereof. 

Resolved, That the following sums be allowed those gentlemen. 

To Col Fleury Dollars 

" Cap tn Walker Dollars 

" Captn L'Enfant Dollars 

" Captn Duponceaux Dollars 

^ Stkuben's letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress. No. 164, folio 174; that of the 
Board of War, dated March 27. is in No. 147, in. folio 143. 
^This letter, dated March 30, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 147. III. folio 165. 



Proceedings in Congress 95 

The Board of War report, that the committee appointed at 
York towTi to confer with Baron Steuben, having promised 
to report that Mons. 1' Enfant should have the commission of 
captain of engineers, and no report having been made on that 
subject, the Board are of opinion, 

That Mons. I'Enfant be appointed a captain in the corps 
of engineers in the service of the United States, to have rank 
from the i8th day of February, An. Dom. 1778.* 

Resolved, That Congress agree to the said report. 

Resolved, That the remainder of the report be postponed. 

MONDAY, APRIL S, 1779 

On motion by Mr. F. L. Lee, and seconded by Mr. Dyer, 
Resolved, That Baron Steuben, inspector general, be 
informed by the President, that Congress entertain a high 
sense of his merit, displayed in a variety of instances, but 
especially in the system of military order and discipline 
formed and presented by him to Congress. 

MONDAY, APRIL 12, 1779 

Congress resumed the consideration of the letters of 22 
January and 2 April, 1779, relative to an allowance to be 
made to Baron Steuben, for his expences, and to Lieutenant 
Colonel Fleiuy and others for extra services in assisting the 
Baron in forming the regulation for the order and discipline 
of the army: after debate, 

On motion of Mr. G(ouvemeur) Morris, seconded by Mr. 
(Meriwether) Smith, 

Ordered, That they be referred to the Board of Treasury. 

FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 1779 

Whereas Major General Baron Steuben has been em- 
ployed upwards of six months in preparing regulations for 
the department of Inspector General, and the discipline of 

' This report is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 147, III, folio 159. 



96 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

the army, in which he has been assisted by the gentlemen 
hereafter named, and it being represented by the Board of 
War that they have been indefatigable in the said business 
and expended large sums for their support in this city, and 
that the regulations have great merit and will be productive 
of signal advantage in the economy and discipline of the 
army, therefore, 

Ordered, That a warrant issue on the treasurer, in favour 
of Baron Steuben, for two thousand five hundred dollars; 
one thousand whereof for the use of Lieutenant Colonel 
Fleury, six hundred for the use of Captain Walker, five hun- 
dred for the use of Captain I'Enfant, and four hundred for 
the use of Captain du Ponceaux, as a compensation for 
their respective services and expences aforesaid. 

That another warrant issue on the treasurer, in favour of 
Baron Steuben for four thousand dollars on accovmt of his 
expences.^ 

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 1779 

A letter,^ of 12, from Major General Baron Steuben, was 
read. 

Ordered, That the letter from Baron Steuben be referred 
to the Board of War. 

MONDAY, AUGUST 23, 1779 

A letter,^ of the 17th, from General Washington, was read: 
Ordered, That so much of the letter as respects an advance 

of money to Baron SteubEn, be referred to the Board of 

Treasury. 

* This report, dated April 15, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 136, III, foUo 243. 

2 STEtTBEN's letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 164. folio 1 7S. 

3 Tliis letter is printed in the Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution (WTiar- 
ton), II. 171. 



Proceedings in Congress 97 

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1779 

A report ' from the Board of Treasury was read : 

Treasury Office, August 24th, 1779. 

The Committee on the Treasury, having taken into consideration a letter 
from General Washington of the 17th instant, referred to them by Congress, 
beg leave to report the following Resolution : 

Resolved, That a warrant issue on the Treastirer in favor of the Honble the 

Board of War for Dollars, to enable them to defray from time 

to time such extra expences of Major General Baron dE Steuben and otlier 
Officers in his situation, as they shall judge reasonable and proportioned to 
the circumstances of the persons applying: for which sum the said Board of 
War is to be accountable. 

Ordered, That it be referred to a committee of three: The 
members chosen, Mr. (John) Armstrong, Mr. (Jesse) Root, 
and Mr. (Nathaniel) Scudder. 

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1779 

Resolved, That a member be added to the committee, to 
whom was referred the report of the Board of Treasury, of 
24 August last, respecting Baron Steuben, in the room of 
Mr. (John) Armstrong, who is absent. 

The member chosen, Mr. (Samuel) Atlee. 

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1779 

A letter, of i6, and one, of 17 November, from Baron 
Steuben; and a letter, of 30 of the same month, from Cap- 
tain Galvan, were read, accompanied with sundry certifi- 
cates in favour of Captain Galvan.^ 

Ordered, That the same be referred to the Board of War. 

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1779 

A report from the Board of War on the letter, of 30 
November, from Captain Galvan, was read. 

Note. — This report states that Baron Steuben requests that Captain 
Galvan now be appointed to the Office of Sub-Inspector. For this purpose he 
must have the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. General Washington thinks the 
rank that may be given Mr. Galvan should not exceed tliat of a major. Con- 
gress voted against granting Mr. Galvan the commission of major. 

'This report is in the Papers of the Continental Congress. No. 136. III. folio 577. See under 
October 21, 1779, post. 
* Galvaa's letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 7S. X. folio 183. 

84647°— 14 7 



98 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 1780 

A letter,^ of 18, from General Washington, was read: 
Ordered, That it be referred to the Board of War; that the 

Board confer thereon with Major General Baron Steuben, 

and report to Congress. 

SATURDAY, JANUARY 29, 1780 

The committee, appointed on the loth to consider a 
motion relative to the army, brought in a report: ' 

The Committee appointed the loth Inst, to consider a motion relative to 
the army, having agreeable to the intentions of Congress consulted General 
Washington on the subject, and considering also that all matters relative to 
the establishing and reinforcing the army have been lately referred to the 
Board of War, who are to confer with the Baron DE Steuben on the subject 
beg leave to report. That the said Motion together with a letter from G. Wash- 
ington to the Committee dated the 23d Inst, be referred to the Board of War. 

Ordered, That the said motion, together with a letter, of 
the 23, from the Commander in Chief to the committee, be 
referred to the Board of War. 

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1780 

Congress took into consideration the motion made by 
Mr. (John) Mathews, seconded by Mr. (Elbridge) Gerry, 
viz. 

Resolved, That the Board of War be directed to confer 
with Major General Baron Steuben, respecting the expences 
of himself and family and report thereon. 

On the question to agree to the foregoing resolution, the 
yeas and nays were required by Mr. (William) EUery. So 
it passed in the affirmative. 

* This letter is iu the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 152, VIII, folio 339. 

* This report, in the writing of Elbridge Gerry*, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress 
No. 21, folio 23s. It is indorsed by Thomson: "Delivered and read January 29, 17S0; agreed to 
January 29." Draft of Washington's letter is in the Washington Papers, Series A. V, pt. i, 153. 



Proceedings in Congress 99 



TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 1780 

A report ' from the Board of War was read, respecting 
Baron Steuben : 

At a Board of War, February 28, 1780. 

Present Col Pickering, Mr. Peters, Col Grayson 

In obedience to the direction of Congress, of the 2sth instant, the board 
have conferred with Major General Baron Steuben respecting his expendi- 
tiu'es, and beg leave to inform Congress, that it appears he has disbursed the 
sum of two hundred and fifty Louis d 'ors in his preparations and voyage to 
America, and that since his arrival, and during his continuance in the service 
of the United States, he has expended the farther sum of five hundred and 
forty six Louis d 'ors. 

They therefore beg leave to report, 

That Major Genl Baron Steuben, be allowed the sum of two hundred 
and fifty Louis d'ors in bills of exchange, for reimbursing him the expenses 
of himself and family in coming to America. 

That the farther sum of five hundred and forty six Louis d'ors in bills of 
exchange be advanced to him, for which he is to be accountable. 

Ordered, That it be referred to a committee of three: 
The members chosen, Mr. (Robert R.) Livingston, Mr. 
(Thomas) McKean, and Mr. (Oliver) Ellsworth. 

MONDAY, MARCH 6, 1780 

The committee, to whom was referred the report from 
the Board of War, respecting Baron Steuben, delivered in 
their report: ^ 

The Committee to whom was referred the report of the Board of War of the 
twenty eight Feby. last, relative to the expenditures of Majr. Genl Steuben, 
having considered the same, humbly report the following state of facts 

ist. That Majr. Genl Steuben appears to have been an officer of high rank 
in the Prussian service where his military talents were improved by twenty 
years' experience and several active campaigns under his Prussian Majesty. 

2d. That he was warmly recommended to the Comrs. of the United States at 
Paris by the Comte de Vergennes and the Comte D'St. Germain; that he 
embarked for America without any lucrative views as far as your Committee 
are enabled to judge from the whole tenor of his conduct, more particularly 
from his having made no contract of any kind with the Comrs. at Paris. 

1 This report is in the Papers of the Continental Congress. No. 147. IV, folio 195. 

' This report, in the writing of Robert R. Livingston, is in the Papers of the Continental Con- 
gress, No. 19. V, folio 509. It is indorsed by Charles Thomson: "Delivered in March 6, 1780. 
Postponed." 



loo Statue of Baron von Steuben 

3d. That since his appointment to the inspectorship he has greatly improved 
the discipline of the Army of the United States and introduced many regula- 
tions and maneuvres equaly useful and new. 

4th. That his conduct has received the highest approbation of Genl Washing- 
ton, a considerable of whose confidence he appears to enjoy. 

5th. That he has received no compensation from Congress for the expenses 
of his voyage or his other expenditures since his arrival except an advance of 
500 dollars and his appointments as a Majr. General, both of which have fallen 
considerably short of his necessary expenditures. 

6th. That his continuance in the army of the United States will probably be 
attended with important advantages in perfecting the discipline which he has 
already introduced. 

Upon this state of facts the Committee beg leave to report the following 
resolution : 

Whereas, Majr. Genl. Steuben hath rendered essential services to the 
cause of America by the introduction of several improvements in military 
discipline and by his assiduous attention to the duties of his department, 

And, Whereas, Congress are desirous of expressing their sense of those 
services and of the disinterested manner in which they were tendered, as well 
as to replace the sums of money that he has expended while in their employ, 
and to make up the deficiencies of his pay, 

Resolved, That one thousand pounds sterling in bills of exchange to be 
drawn on Mr. Jay agreeable to the resolution passed the day of 

last be paid to Majr. Genl. StEubEN for the pm-poses aforesd. 

RoBT. R. Livingston Chairman. 

TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 17S0 

Congress took into consideration the report of the com- 
mittee on the report of the Board of War, respecting Baron 
Steuben, and thereupon came to the following resolutions: 

Resolved, That Major General Baron Steuben be allowed 
the sum of 250 Louis d'ors, in bills of exchange for reim- 
bursing him the expences of himself and family coming to 
America. 

Resolved, That the further sum of five hundred and forty- 
six Louis d'ors in bills of exchange be advanced to him, for 
which he is to be accountable. 

THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 1780 

A letter,* of 8th, from Baron Steuben, was read. 

* Steuben's letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress. No. 164, folio 1S2. 



Proceedings in Congress loi 



THURSDAY, M.'VRCH 16, 1780 

A report^ from the Board of Treasury was read; Where- 
upon, 

Treasury Office, March i6, 1780. 
Sir, 

The Baron DE Steuben to whom Congress by a Resolution of the 7th inst: 
advanced five hundred and forty six Louis D'ors in Bills of Exchange, applies 
to tliis Board to know the rate of Exchange at which they are to be charged: 
for as he is under tlie necessity of selling tliese Bills immediately, to purchase 
necessaries for the ensuing campaign, he finds on Enquiry, he can not get for 
the Bills but half the sum in currency, he could, if he was furnished with the 
specie: this being the case, the disadvantage resulting to him under these 
circimistances is too great, unless Congress shall be pleased to fix the rate of 
Exchange at the present course. If tliat should be declined, he then desires 
that in lieu of the Bills, to be delivered him in advance, he may have their 
equivalent in current dollars occasionally, as he may want them; and for the 
present the sum of 50,000 dollars 

The Board are of opinion, this last proposal will be the most equitable under 
the present fluctuating State of Bills of Exchange and therefore beg leave to 
report 

Ordered, That a warrant issue on the treasurer, in favour 
of Major General Baron Steuben, for fifty thousand dollars, 
for which he is to be accotmtable; and that the Board of 
Treasury forbear carrying into execution that part of the 
resolution of Congress, of the 7th instant, which directs the 
sum of five hundred and forty six louis d'or in bills of ex- 
change to be advanced to Baron Steuben. 

MOND.'W; M.\RCH 20, 1780 

War Office, March 20, 1780. 
Sir, 

At the request of the Baron Steuben, the board have the honor to transmit 
to Congress his sentiments on the subject of the proposed reduction of the 
number of Regiments in the army.^ 

TUESDAY, M.\RCH 21, 1780 

A report ' of the Board of War was read; Whereupon, 

At a Board of War, March 20, 1780. 

Present Mr. Peters, Col Grayson 

The Board had the honor to transmit Baron Steuben's opinion upon the 
proposed reduction of the Regiments in the army. 

Congress can best judge of the expediency or inexpediency of the measure. 
If they should be of opinion that no reduction should at present be attempted, 

1 This report is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 136, IV, folio 137. 

2 This letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress. No. 148, I, folio 63. 

' This report is in the papers of the Continental Congress, No. 147. IV, folio 259. 



I02 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

there will be a deficiency of subaltern officers; but as few of those as possible 
should be created, as multiplying them will occasion embarrassments should a 
reduction be thought of at a future day. Yet some addition to the number of 
these officers will be necessary. The board therefore beg leave to report, 

Resolved, That it be recommended to the governments of 
the several states, to suspend making new appointments of 
officers on the regiments of their respective lines, except 
where the Commander in Chief or commanding officer in the 
southern department shall deem such appointments indis- 
pensably necessary. 

SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 1780 

Congress took into consideration the report of the Board 
of War on a motion for reducing the battalions in the army, 
together with Baron Steuben's thoughts thereon: 

Ordered, That the consideration thereof be postponed to 
the first of December next. 

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 1780 

On motion of Mr. (Robert R.) Livingston, seconded by 
Mr. (James) Searle, 

Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to pro- 
ceed to headquarters, to confer with the Commander in 
Chief on the subject of his letter of the 3d instant together 
with the report of the Board of War, and the letter from 
Baron Steuben, on the subject of a reduction of the regi- 
ments, and the report of the commissioners on the arrange- 
ment of the staff departments of the army ; and that a com- 
mitteee of three be appointed to report instructions for such 
committee. 

Congress proceeded to the election of a committee to re- 
port instructions; and the ballots being taken, the members 
chosen were, Mr. (Robert R.) Livingston, Mr. (Oliver) Ells- 
worth and Mr. (John ) Mathews. 

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12, 1780 

A letter • from Baron Steuben was read. 

' STBUBBN'a letter is in the Papers of the Continental Coneress, No. 164, folio 186. 



Proceedings in Congress 103 

MONDAY, AUGUST 14, 1780 

A letter, of 3d, from Baron Steuben was read: 
Ordered, That the same, together with the plan respecting 
the inspector's department be referred to the Board of War. 

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 1780 

The Board of "War, to whom was referred the letter of 3, 
from Baron Steuben, with the the plan for conducting the 
inspector's office, delivered in a report, which was read. 

At a Board of War, Augt. 23d, 1780. 

Present Mr. Peters, Col Grayson 

The Board having considered the letter of the 3d instant from Baron Stet:ben 
together with his proposed plan for the establishment of the department of the 
Inspectorship, beg leave to recommend the following 

In Congress 

Establishment of the department of the Inspectorship 

Whereas the institution of this department hath been found productive of 
the great utility to the armies of the United States, and experience hath shewn 
that it may be rendered still more useful by an extension of its powers and 
objects 

Therefore Resolved 

That the former establishment by a resolution of the 18 of February 1779 
be repealed, and that the department hereafter have the following form, 
powers, and privileges.' 

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1780 

Congress took into consideration the report of the com- 
mittee to whom was referred the consideration of the estab- 
lishment of the inspecting department; Whereupon, 

Congress agreed to the following plan of the inspecting 
and mustering department : (See Journals of the Continental 
Congress, Vol. XVIII, pages 855-860) 

Resolved, That Baron Steuben be, and hereby is, continued 
inspector general of the armies of these United States, and 
vested v«'ith power to appoint all officers necessary to carry 
the aforesaid plan ^ into execution, they being first approved 
of by the commander in chief. 

^ Detailed description of the department and its duties is omitted here. The resolution is 
printed in full in Journals of the Continental Congress. Vol. XVII, pases 765-770. 

2 New plan for the inspecting and mustering department of the army of the United States. This 
report is in the Papers of the Continental Congress. No. j2. folios 91-98. 



I04 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1780 

A letter,' of this day, from Baron Steuben, M. G. was 
read 

MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1780 

A letter, == of 28, from Major General Baron Steuben was 
read. 

Resolved, That Congress approve the appointment, by the 
Commander in Chief, of Major General Greene to the com- 
mand of the southern army, agreeably to their resolution 
of the 5th instant, and adopt his opinion, that the talents 
and service of Major General the Baron Steuben, inspector 
general, will be very useful in the southern department; to 
which he is, therefore, hereby directed to repair. 

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1780 

Ordered, That the report ^ of the Board of War, of the 4, 
respecting cloathing, be referred to the Committee of Esti- 
mates and Ways and Means. 

War Office, Nov. 4, 1780. 
Sir, 

The Board beg leave to lay before Congress, the enclosed letter from Major 
Genl the Baron SteubBn mentioning the disposition of the Minister of France 
to transmit a requisition for clothing and otlier necessaries for the Officers and 
Soldiers of the American Army. Etc. 

THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 1781 

A letter,* of 8th, from Baron Steuben, was read: 
Ordered, That it be referred to the Board of War. 

MOND.AY, JANUARY 22, 1781 

A letter,^ of 11, from Baron Steuben, was read. 

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 1781 

Note. — A letter of February 23d from Major General Steuben to the 
Board of War was read on this day, the indorsement states. It is in the 
Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 164, folio 218. 

^ This letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress. No. 164. folio 198. 

2 This letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 164, folio 194. 

3 This report is in the Papers of the Continental Congress. No. 147. IV, folio 659. 
* Steuben's letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress. No. 164, folio 202. 
^ STEtTBEN's letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 164, folio 210. 



Proceedings in Congress 105 

MONDAY, MAY 7, 1781 

A letter, of 5th, from the Board of War, was read, enclosing 
a letter of 25 April, from Major General Baron Steuben.' 

FRIDAY, JULY 6, 1781 

A letter,^ of June 12, from Major General Baron de 
Steuben, was read: 

Ordered, That it be referred to the Board of War. 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 1781 

A report from the Board of War was read. Whereupon, 

At a Board of War July nth 17S1. 
Present Mr. Peters, Colonel Grayson, General Cornell. 

The Board having taken into consideration the letter of the 12th ulto. from 
Major General Steuben referred to them from Congress. 
Beg leave to report, 

Ordered, That the Board of War be authorised to draw a 
warrant on the paymaster general in favour of Captain 
du Ponceau, aid de camp to Major General Steuben for 
eight hundred and eighty-eight dollars in bills of the new 
emission on account of his pay, for which sum he is to be 
accountable. 

THURSDAY, J.ANUARY 10, 1782 

The committee, consisting of Mr. Cornell, Mr. Lovell, 
Mr. Motte, to whom was referred a plan for conducting the 
inspector's department reported by the secretary of war, 
delivered in their report, which being read was agreed to 
as follows: 

Plan jar conducting the inspector's department 

Resolved, That the establishment of the inspector's de- 
partment by the resolutions of the 25th of September, 1780, 
and all subsequent resolutions relative thereto, be, and 
hereby are, repealed; and that the department hereafter 
have the following form, powers, and privileges, viz: * * * 

Note. — The resolution is printed in full in the Journals of the Continental 
Congress. 

* This letter is in the Papers of the Continental Congress. No. 14S. I. folio 369. 

* StbcbEn's letter is in tlie Papers of the Continental Congress. No. 164, folio 226 



i66 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

Resolved, That Major-gen. Baron Steuben be, and hereby 
is, continued inspector-general of the armies of these United 
States, and vested with power to appoint all officers necessary 
to carry the aforegoing plan * into execution, they being 
first approved of by the commander in chief. 

FRIDAY, JULY 26, 1782 

A motion was made by Mr. Duane, seconded by Mr. Root, 
That Baron Steuben receive, until further order of 
Congress, in addition to his pay as major-general, 80 dollars 
per month for his traveling expenses in the execution of his 
office of inspector- general, to be computed from the loth 
day of January last. 

On the question to agree to this, the yeas and nays being 
required by Mr. Condict, it was resolved in the affirmative. 

MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1782 

The committee, consisting of Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Clark, 
and Mr. Carroll, to whom was referred a letter of the 5th,2 
from Major General the Baron dE Steuben, having con- 
ferred with him thereupon, submit to the consideration of 
Congress the following facts, resulting from the communi- 
cations made to them, supported by the testimonials of the 
commander in chief and many other principal officers of 
the army : 

I St. That the Baron de Steuben was in Europe possessed 
of respectable military rank, and different posts of honor 
and emolument, which he relinquished to come to America 

• New plan for conducting the inspector's department. 

2 December s, 1782, Steuben addressed a letter to the President of Congress requesting a com- 
mittee to enquire into and report his situation and pretensions: which being granted, he stated 
his pretensions in the words following, viz: 

"My demands were these: to join the army as a volunteer: that I wished to be known by the 
commander in chief, and to leave it to the officers of the army if my capacity entitle me to hold 
a commission in it; that the general would employ me in such a branch, where he thought my 
services the most useful: that I was determined not to ask a favour or reward previous of having 
deserved it: that, however, I expected from the generosity of Congress, that, in imitation of all 
European Powers, they would defray my expenses, although a volunteer, according to the rank 
which I held in Europe, as well for myself, as my aids and servants." 



Proceedings in Congress 107 



and offer his services at a critical period of the war, and 
without any previous stipulations : 

2dly. That on his arrival he actually engaged in the army 
in a very disinterested manner, and without compensations 
similar to those which had been made to several other 
foreign officers : 

3dly. That under singular difficulties and embarrassments 
in the department in which he has been employed, he has 
rendered very important and substantial services, by intro- 
ducing into the army a regular formation and exact dis- 
cipline, and by establishing a spirit of order and economy 
in the interior administration of the regiments; which, 
besides other advantages, have been productive of immense 
savings to the United States; that in the commands in 
which he has been employed, he has upon all occasions 
conducted himself like a brave and experienced officer; 
the committee are therefore of opinion, that the sacrifices 
and services of the Baron dE Steuben, justly entitle him 
to the distinguished notice of Congress, and to a generous 
compensation, whenever the situation of public affairs will 
admit: the committee farther report, that the Baron DE 
Steuben has considerable arrearages of pay due him from 
these states on a liquidated account, and that having 
exhausted his resources in past expenses, it is now indis- 
pensable that a sum of money should be paid him for his 
present support, and to enable him to take the field another 
campaign, and propose that the sum of 2400 dollars be paid 
him for that purpose, and charged to his account aforesaid; 
Whereupon, 

Resolved, That the foregoing proposal of the committee be 
referred to the superintendent of finance to take order. 

The committee farther observing, that from the nature 
of the department in which the Baron DE Steuben is em- 
ployed, he is under the necessity of making frequent jour- 
nies, by which he incurs an additional expense, and is often 
deprived of the allowance of forage to which he is entitled; 
thereupon. 



io8 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

Resolved, That the Baron db SteubEN be allowed 300 
dollars per month, in lieu of this extra pay and of subsistence 
and forage for himself and family, including wagon as well 
as saddle horses; and that these allowances hereafter cease. 

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1783 

On motion of Mr. M'Henry, seconded by Mr. Peters, 
Resolved, That the secretary at war be, and he is hereby 
directed to issue to Captain North aid-de-camp to Major 
General the Baron Steuben, the brevet commission of major 
in the army of the United States. 

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 1784 

Note. — Though the Journal of the Continental Congress for this day does 
not record the fact, the following letter was received from Baron Steuben 
resigning his commission as inspector general and referred to a committee 
consisting of Mr. Lee, Mr. Howell, and Mr. Williamson, as indorsed on the 
original copy now in the Library of Congress: 

"Sir: 

"Tho a foreigner, I flatter myself that my zeal for the 
interests of the United States renders me worthy to partici- 
pate in the happiness of seeing this Confederacy exalted to 
that Rank which the Virtue and perseverance of its Citizens 
have merited. 

"The Object for which I left my country, my friends & 
all that was dear to me, is accomplished. — My companions 
in the late war have returned to the Class of Citizens, re- 
warded by the success which has attended their patriotic 
labours. The French Officers satisfied with the honorary & 
pecuniary rewards they have received from the United States, 
still expect from the bounty of their Sovereign those marks 
of his approbation wliich he waits to bestow. — My feelings 
inform me that it is time to quit the stage & to sheath that 
sword which has been drawn (for the last time) in tliis glo- 
rious revolution. 



Proceedings in Congress 109 

"I Return into the hands of Congress the Commission 
wliich I had the honor to receive from that honorable Body, 
& beg they will accept my respectful acknowledgements for 
the confidence with which I have been honored. 

"As a proof of my attachment to the United States & 
wishes for their interest & welfare, I take the liberty of 
offering your Excellency some Military ideas upon a peace 
establishment. — If Congress find them worthy considera- 
tion, I shall with pleasure give the necessary details to any 
person they may please to name. 

' ' My engagements with the United States being fulfilled & 
my Military career finished, I request the attention of Con- 
gress to a report of their Committee on my claims, dated 
30th December, 1782. To the justice and generosity of that 
Honorable body I commit myself & am with the greatest 
respect, 

"Sir, Your Excellency's 
Most Obedient 
Humble Servant, 

"Steuben. 
" AnnapoKs, 

" 20 March 1784." 

TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 1784 

Congress took into consideration the report of a committee, 
consisting of Mr. Lee, Mr. Howell, and Mr. Williamson, to 
whom was recommitted their report on a letter of 24th March, 
from major general baron Steuben, together with the report 
of a committee respecting him, entered on the journal of the 
30th December, 1782, and the first resolution reported by 
the committee being amended to read as follows : 

"That the resignation of Baron Steuben, late inspector- 
general and major general, be accepted: and that the super- 
intendent of finance take order for paying him 13,000 dollars, 
as a compensation for the sacrifices he made when he entered 
the service of the United States." 



no Statue of Baron von Steuben 

A motion was made by Mr. Gerry, seconded by Mr. Read, 
to postpone the consideration of the said resolution, in order 
to take up the following: 

Whereas major general baron Steuben, at the instance 
of the friends of America, and with the advice and concur- 
rence of the ministers of the United States in France, did, 
in the latter end of the year 1777, come over to America, 
and producing the most honorable testimonials of his miU- 
tary rank and abilities, did proffer his services to Congress, 
declaring at the same time that he would not make any 
previous stipulations for a reward, but would leave it to be 
determined by Congress after they should have proofs and 
experience of his merit and services. 

And whereas the abilities and zeal of that meritorious 
officer, in the department of inspector-general, have been 
the principal cause of introducing and perfecting discipline 
in our army, and establishing such a system of economy as 
produced an extraordinary reduction of expenses: 

Resolved, That the superintendent of finance be directed 
to issue securities bearing an annual interest of six per cent, 
and payable as other debts due to the army, to the said 
major general baron Steuben, to the amoimt of 45,000 
dollars, in full of all sums due to him for pay, arrearages of 
pay, rations, subsistence, half pay or commutation, and of 
all other demands for services and sacrifices in the cause of 
the United States. 

That the superintendent of finance be directed to advance 

in specie to the said baron Steuben, the sum of 

in part payment of the preceding resolve: 

And on the question to postpone for the purpose above 
mentioned, the yeas and nays being required by Mr. Howell, 
New Hampslure, Mr. Foster, no no 

Blanchard, no 
Massachusetts, Mr. Gerry, ay ay 

Patridge ay 



Proceedings in Congress 1 1 1 



Rhode Island, Mr. Ellery, 


no 


no 


Howell, 


no 




Connecticut, Mr. Sherman, 


no 


no 


Wadsworth, 


no 




New York, Mr. DeWitt, 


no 


no 


Paine, 


no 




New Jersey, Mr. Beatty, 


no 


no 


Dick, 


no 




Pennsylvania, Mr. Mifflin, 


ay 


ay 


Montgomery, 


ay 




Hand, 


ay 




Maryland, Mr. M'Henry, 


ay 


ay 


Stone, 


ay 




Virginia, Mr. Hardy, 


ay 


ay 


Mercer, 


ay 




Monroe, 


ay 




North Carolina, Mr. Williamson, 


no 


div 


Spaight, 


ay 




South Carolina, Mr. Read, 


ay 


div 


Beresford, 


no 




So the question was lost. 







THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 1784 

Congress resumed the consideration of the report on the 
letter of the 24th March, from Major General Baron Steuben ; 
and thereupon. 

Resolved, That the resignation of Baron Steuben, late 
inspector general and major general, be accepted. 

That the thanks of the United States in Congress assem- 
bled, be given to Baron Steuben, for the great zeal and abili- 
ties he has discovered in the discharge of the several duties 



112 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

of his office; that a gold hilted sword' be presented to him, 
as a mark of the high sense Congress entertained of his char- 
acter and services, and that the superintendent of finance 
take order for procuring the same. 

That the proper officers proceed to the hquidation of 
moneys due from the United States to Major General Baron 
Steuben; that the superintendent of finance report to Con- 
gress his opinion of the most speedy and eflicacious means 
of procming and paying the same either here or in Europe. 

That Baron Steuben be assured, that Congress will adopt 
these or such others as shall appear most proper and effectual, 
for doing him that justice which the peculiarity of his case 
authorizes. 

1 This sword was presented to Stbuben on January 4. 17S7. with the following letter from Gen. 
Knox. Secretary of War: 

IVar Office, Jan. 4, 1^3/. 
Sir. 

The United States in Concress assembled by their act of the 15th of April 17S4 expressed their 
high sense of your military talents, services, and character, and as an honorable evidence thereof, 
they directed that a gold hilted sword should be presented to you. It is with great satisfaction 
I embrace the occasion of presenting you with the invaluable memorial of their sentiments and 
your eminent merits. 

Were it possible to enhance the honor conferred by the sovereign authority, it would be derived 
from the consideration, that their applause was reciprocated by the late illustrious commander 
in chief, and the whole Army. 

I have the honor to be. Sir, With the most perfect consideration. 

Your obedient and humble servt. H. Knox. 

The honorable Major General Baron DB Stbitben, late inspector general of the armies of the 
United States. 

To this letter Steuben replied on January s, 17S7, as follows: 

Sir, 

I have been honored with your letter, and Capt. Stagg has delivered me the sword which the 
United States were pleased to order by their act of the 15th of April, 17S4. 

Permit me, sir, to request that you express to Congress the high sentiments of respect and 
acknowledgment with which I receive this distinguished mark of their regard. 

To a soldier such sentiments are ever dear, and that this is accompanied with the approbation of 
our late commander in chief, of yourself, and the army in general, will alwaj-s be my greatest glor>'. 

Accept sir, my sincere thanks for the very flattering manner in which you have communicated 
this present, and believe me 

Sir. &c. Steuben. 

The New York Daily Advertiser of January 11, 17S7, contained the following description of the 
sword which Congress presented to Steuben: 

It was made in London, under the direction of Col, Smith, and executed by the first workmen 
in that kingdom. The small mcdalions on each side of the top of the hilt, presents an eagle 
perched on a bunch of arrows, with a wreath of laurel in her bill and wings extended ready to 
rise. The modest Genius of America fills the front medalion on the hilt, dressed in a flowing robe, 
ornamented with the new constellation, holding an olive branch in her right arm, and a dagger 
in her left hand, and the fair field of liberty nourishing in the background; It is answered on the 
opposite side with the full figure of Mincn'a, in martial dress, robed and ornamented with the 
same stars; the bird of wisdom is seated near; her left hand being extended, presents the olive 
branch, while the right is properly supported by the spear, this figure is martial and gay; the 
other is mild and modestly embraces the olive branch, but holds the dagger with firmness. The 
bow of the hilt presents drums, colours, halbcrts, etc. etc. etc. The sword and blue book " fills 
the two lower ones. — two eagles, seated on knots of colours, surrounded with stars and holding 
a sprig of an olive branch in the bill with extended wings, are emblems of peace and protection, 
under the sword and blue book (which our country cannot too strictly attend to). The two 
opposite medalions are filled with trophies of war, and the following inscription modestly placed 
out of view, under the shield: "The Untied Slates to Major General Baron Steuben, istk, April, 
iyS4,for military merit." 

a The Blue Book was Steuben's regulations for the drilling of the Army. 



Proceedings in Congress 113 

On motion of Mr. Sherman, seconded by Mr. EHery, 

Resolved, That the superintendent of finance take order 
for immediately advancing to Baron Steuben, on account, 
the sum of ten thousand dollars.' 

On the report of a committee, consisting of Mr. Howell, 
Mr. Gerry and Mr. Williamson, to whom was referred a letter 
of the 19th March, from Major General Baron Steuben, late 
inspector general, informing that he had appointed Major 
North, inspector to the troops under the command of General 
Knox. 

Resolved, That Congress approve of and confirm the ap- 
pointment of Major William North as inspector to the troops 
remaining in the service and pay of the United States. 

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 178S 

On the report of a committee, consisting of Mr. Howell, 
Mr. Gerry, Mr. Williamson, Mr. Hardy and Mr. Cadwallader, 
to whom was referred a letter, of 5th February, from Baron 
Steuben. 

Resolved, That the commissioners of the treasury pay to 
Baron dE Steuben, late major-general and inspector general 
in the armies of the United States, the amount of two several 
liquidated debts due to him from the United States, one of 
which was due March 21st, 1782, being 6000 dollars, and the 
other Jime loth, 1 784, being 1 800 58-90 dollars, together with 
the interest thereon, which payment shall be made out of the 
requisition for the present year. 

The following paragraph being imder debate : 

That in consideration of the Baron Steuben's having relin- 
quished different posts of honor and emolument in Europe, 
and rendered to the United States most essential services, he 
be allowed and paid the sum of 

A motion was made by Mr. Cadwallader, seconded by Mr. 
Vining, to amend by adding, " 25,000 dollars to be paid as 

^ This motion -was adopted unanimously on a yea and nay vote. Pre%4ous to its adoption a 
motion by Mr. Jefferson, of A^irginia, that "Sio.ooo be presented to Baron Steuben "was lost hv 
a vote of 3 nays, 7 yeas, i divided. A motion by Mr, Paine, of New York, that "SS,ooo be presented 
to Baron Steubex" also was lost by a vote of 3 nays to 8 yeas. 
84647°— 14 8 



114 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

aforesaid." A motion was made by Mr. King, seconded by 
Mr. Holten, to amend the amendment, by striking out the 
words "as aforesaid," and, in lieu thereof, inserting "by in- 
stallments in manner hereafter mentioned." 

And on the question to agree to the amendment to the 
amendment, the yeas and nays being required by Mr. Holten, 
it was resolved in the affirmative. 

Ordered, That the further consideration of the report be 
postponed till tomorrow. 

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 1785 

Congress resumed the consideration of the paragraph in the 
report of the committee on the letter of 5th February from 
Baron Steuben, which was yesterday under debate, and a 
motion was made by Mr. Cadwallader, seconded by Mr. 
Pinckney, after the words " sum of," to add " 25,000 dollars: " 

And on the question to agree to this, the yeas and nays 
being required by Mr. Ellery and Mr. Pinckney, the question 
was lost. 

Ordered, That the further consideration of the report be 
postponed till Monday next. 

MONDAY, JUNE 13, 1785 

On the report of a committee, consisting of Mr. Monroe, 
Mr. Williamson and Mr. Howell, to whom was referred a 
letter of the 3d May, from Baron Steuben, 

Resolved, That the Board of Treasury take order for the 
immediate payment of the liquidated debt specified in the 
resolution of the 23d of March, 1785, to be due to Baron 
Steuben on the loth day of June, 1784, amounting to 
1826 53-96 dollars, together with the interest thereon. 

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1785 

Congress took into consideration the report of a committee, 
consisting of Mr. Howell, Mr. Gerry, Mr. Hardy, Mr. Grayson 
and Mr. Wilson, to whom were referred a report on a letter of 
5th February, 1785, from Baron SteubEn, and a motion of 
Mr. Pinckney on the same subject. 



Proceedhigs in Congress 115 

Resolved, That in full consideration of the Baron de 
Steuben's having relinquished different posts of honor and 
emolument in Europe, and rendered most essential services 
to the United States, he be allowed and paid out of the Treas- 
ury of the United States, the sum of 7,000 dollars, in addition 
to former grants.' 

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1787 

On motion of Mr. Smith, in behalf of the committee, to 
whom was referred a memorial of Baron Steuben, 

Ordered, That the secretary of Congress write to General 
Washington for a copy of the papers enclosed in Mr. President 
Lauren's letter of the 19th February, 1778, marked "com- 
mittee's conference with Baron Steuben." 

MONDAY, AUGUST 25, 1788 

The committee consisting of Mr. Oilman, Mr. Otis, Mr. 

WilUamson, Mr. Carrington, and Mr. U'Hommedieu, to 

whom was referred a letter from the Baron de Steuben, 

requesting an adjustment of his claims on the principles of a 

contract alleged to have been entered into between him and 

the United States previous to his engaging in their service, 

submit the following report, viz: 

Note. — The report sets forth in detail Steuben's offer of his services to 
the United States and their acceptance by Congress, as shown in the fore- 
going proceedings, and then concludes : 

"Your committee further report, that although the 
baron has disclaimed any preliminary stipulations for reward, 
and though Congress do not appear to have engaged to 
indemnify him for emoluments that may have been given 
up in Eturope, yet he has received from Congress, strong and 
singular proofs of their desire to place him in easy circum- 
stances; and under the different heads of allowance for 
expenses, pay as major general and inspector, commutation 

' Prior to adopting the resolution granting Baron Steuben, motions to fix tlie amount at 
liS.ooo. Sio.ooo, and $8,000. respectively, were lost. 



1 1 6 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

of half pay for life, and a subsequent grant, according to the 
statement made by the commissioner of army accounts, he 
has received above 44,000 dollars in specie, or other money 
reduced to specie value, besides provisions and forage to a 
large amount; and of the specie, more than 32,900 dollars 
have been paid since the beginning of the year 1784. In 
consideration of the foregoing facts and all circumstances, 
your committee are of opinion, that although the Baron 
Steuben has no claim against the United States, founded 
on a contract, yet considering the merit and services of the 
Baron Steuben, and the peculiarity of his situation, your 
committee beg leave to report that he be allowed at the rate 

of dollars per annum during his natural life." 

A motion was made by Mr. Hamilton, seconded by Mr. 
Lee, that the said report be committed; and on the question 
for commitment, the yeas and nays being required by Mr. 
Oilman, it was resolved in the affirmative. 



FIRST CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION 

[Extracts from the Annals and Journals of Congress] 

HOUSE 

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 17S9 

Resolved, That the memorial of Baron de Steuben be 
referred to the Secretary of the Treasury to report thereupon 
to the next session of Congress. 

FIRST CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION 
HOUSE 

TUESDAY, APRIL 6, 1790 

The report from the Secretary of the Treasury (Alexander 
Hamilton) on the memorial of the Baron de Steuben, was 
read a first and second time, and committed to a Committee 
of the Whole. 

The report of the Secretary of the Treasury is printed in American State 
Papers, Class IX, relating to Claims, pages ii to i6, as follows: 

No. s 

1st Congress. 2d Session. 

Claim of the Baron dv, Steuben 

Communicated to the House of Representatives, April 6, 1790 

Treasury Department, March 29, 1790. 

The Secretary of the Treasury on the memorial of the Baron DE Steu- 
ben, referred to him by an order of the House of Representatives, of the 25th 
of September last, respectfully reports: 

That it, appears from the papers accompanying the said memorial that the 
memorialist grounds his present claim on the United States upon a contract 
which he alleges to have been made with Congress, at York, in the year 1777, 
previous to his joining the American army. 

That the transaction respecting this alleged contract is stated by the memo- 
rialist in the following words: 

"At the arrival of the Baron de Steuben, in the year 1777, he was received 
by Congress with marks of distinction, and, the day after his arrival, was 
waited on by a committee of Congress, composed of Dr. Witherspoon, Mr. 
Henry, of Marj'land, and a third, whom at this time he cannot recollect. 
This committee demanded of the baron the conditions on which he was 
inclined to serve the United States, and if he had made any stipulations with 
the commissioners in France. He replied that he had made no agreement 
with them, nor was it his intention to accept of any rank or pay; that he 
wished to join the army as a volunteer, and to render such services as the 

117 



1 1 8 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

commander-in-chief should think him capable of, adding that he had no 
other fortune than a revenue of about six hundred guineas per annum, arising 
from places and posts of honor in Germany, which he had relinquished to 
come to this country; that, in consideration of this, he expected the United 
States would defray his necessary expenses while in their service; that if, 
unhappily, this country should not succeed in establishing their independence, 
of if he should not succeed in his endeavors for their service, in either of those 
cases he should consider the United States as free from any obligations towards 
him; but if, on the other hand, the United States should be happy enough to 
establish their freedom, and that he should be successful in his endeavors, in 
that case he should expect a full indemnification for the sacrifice he had made 
in coming over, and such marks of their generosity as the justice of the United 
States should dictate; that, if these terms were agreeable to Congress, he 
waited only their orders to join the army without delay. The committee were 
pleased to applaud the generosity of his propositions, in thus risking his for- 
tune on that of the United States. The committee then left him, in order to 
make their report. The next day. Congress gave him an entertainment; after 
which, the President, Mr. Laurens, told him it was the desire of Congress that 
he should join the army immediately, which he did." 

That the evidence adduced by him in support of it consists principally 
of these documents: a certificate from John Witherspoon, dated November i, 
1775, anotlier from Elbridge Gerrj', dated the 23d of November, 1785, and a 
third from William Duer, without date, which several certificates are annexed 
to the statement above recited, and refer to it; also, two letters, one from 
Thomas McKean, dated nth September, 1788, and another from Francis 
Lightfoot Lee, dated 25th September, in the same year; all which gentlemen 
were, at the time of the transaction, members of Congress, and three of them, 
viz: John Witherspoon, Francis Lightfoot Lee, and Thomas McKean, mem- 
bers of the committee mentioned in the said statement. 

That the certificate from the said John Witherspoon is as follows: 

Princeton, November i, 1785. 
I can recollect \eTy distinctly that I was one of the committee who waited 
on Baron Steuben, on his arrival at Yorktown. He then could speak no 
English, and I believe I was the only member of the committee who could 
speak French, and was therefore obliged to be his interpreter to the other 
members, as well as to make the report to Congress. I am sensible that the 
above is a just and fair account of what passed on that occasion, and that we 
were all sensible tliat the Baron's proposals were honorable and generous; 
and accordingly he was sent to General Washington, to receive his directions 
from him. 

John Witherspoon. 

That the certificate from the said Elbridge Gerry is as follows: 

New York, November 23, 1785. 

The subscriber certifies tliat, having a seat in Congress, at the time of the 
Baron DE Steuben's arrival at Yorktown, he well remembers the facts herein 
stated, excepting what relates to the entertainment, which he doubts not was 
provided, and to the time of the baron's arrival at that place, which was in 
the beginning of the year 1778. The subscriber further certifies that, in ques- 
tions agitated in Congress while he has been a member, respecting the allow- 
ance that should be made in pursuance of the within stipulation, he has 
considered the claim of the baron for a full indenmification and compensation 
as a claim of justice founded in the verbal contract of the parties. 

E. Gerrv. 



Proceedings in Congress 1 1 g 

That so much of the certificate of the said William Duer as relates to the 
fact is as follows: 

" I was a member of Congress, and of tlie Board of War, when the Baron DE 
Steuben arrived at Yorktown, and, tliough I was not present at tliat place 
when tlie baron had his first interview with the committee of Congress, being 
absent for a few days on a visit to Manheim, I perfectly remember that the 
account I received on my return to Yorktown, of the engagements entered 
into with the Baron Steuben liy the honorable Congress, was perfectly similar 
to that which tlie Baron had stated." 

That the material part of the letter of the said Thomas McKean is as follows: 

"My memory enables me to say that you came to Yorktown, in the begin- 
ning of Februiuy, 1798; ' that tlie Congress being informed of it proceeded 
to name a committee (of which I was one) to wait upon you, learn tlie object 
of your visit, and to confer with you about entering into tlie service of the 
United States. They might have received further instructions but I do not 
remember them. The committee (of which Doctor Witherspoon was chair- 
man) called upon you tlie next morning at your lodgings, when a conversation 
was had between tlie doctor and you in French, which he interpreted to his 
brethren ; part of what was thus communicated was, that you came to America 
with a view to tender your services to Congress; tliat you had made no stipu- 
lations with their commissioners in France, and was desirous to join the army 
as a volunteer, and to act there in such situation as the commander-in-chief 
should think you best qualified to fill; that you had held posts of honor and 
profit in the army of the King of Prussia, and afterwards (I think) of the Prince 
of Baden, which last you had relinquished in order to embark in the American 
cause, whose fortunes you were willing to partake; that if it failed you asked 
nothing but a support, according to your condition, while you served, and if 
it succeeded, and your services were approved, you would expect compen- 
sation for the sacrifices you had made, and the rewards commonly bestowed 
by a happy and grateful people on faithful and successful servants. This, 
sir, is the amount of what I recollect." 

That the material part of the letter of the said Francis Lightfoot Lee is as 

follows : 

" I was one of the committee appointed by Congress to wait upon you on 
your arrival at Yorktown, and understood French sufficiently to comprehend 
pretty fully all tliat you said to tlie committee. 

"You informed them that you held considerable military rank in Europe, 
with posts and emoluments to tlie amount, I think, of five or six hundred 
guineas; that your great desire of being serviceable to the American cause 
had induced you to relinquish these, and offer your service to Congress; that 
you asked for neither rank nor pay, but expected your expenses in the army 
to be defrayed; and if America should be successful in her contest, you 
depended upon the justice and generosity of Congress to make you amends 
for your losses, and reward your service; if unfortunate, you were willing to 
share her fortune. I do not recollect any particular stipulation for reimbursing 
tlie specific sum of money; but it was, most certainly, well understood by the 
committee and Congress that, if our contest ended happily, and your services 
were approved, you would have a just claim to very liberal compensation for 
what you had sacrificed, and for your services. 

"Congress was very much pleased with your generous proposals when 
reported to them, as their consequent behaviour to you sufficiently verified." 

That besides the foregoing document, there are two letters accompanying 
the said memorial, one from Horatio Gates, dated the 6th of December, 1785; 
the other from Richard Peters, dated the 30th of October, 1785; the former 

* Misprint, should read 1778 instead of 1798. 



1 20 Statue of Baron voh Steuben 

of whom was President, and the latter, member of the Board of War, at the 
time of the said transaction. 

That tlie letter from the said Horatio Gates contains the following passage: 

"When I was President of the Board of War, I well remember your coming 
to Yorktown, and being most honorably received by Congress. A committee 
was immediately appointed to wait on you, and after they had conferred with 
you, you were invited to an elegant entertainment, and every mark of dis- 
tinction was sho\vn that could be shown to an officer of the first rank, into whose 
hands the inspection and discipline of the army was to be intrusted. With 
regard to pecuniary matters, I always understood they were to be settled upon 
the most liberal and generous plan, regard being had, not only to the high 
station you were to fill, but the sacrifice you had so generously made in coming 
to serve this country." 

That the letter from the said Richard Peters contains the following pas- 
sages: 

"Belmont, October 30, 1785. 

"Sir: In answer to your inquiries respecting my recollection of what passed 
at Yorktown relative to your affairs, at your arrival at that place, I will state 
such circumstances as I became acquainted with. They are chiefly such as 
I understood from members of Congress, some of whom were appointed to 
assist the Commissioners of the Board of War, and to explain and communi- 
cate such matters as were necessary for oxir information in the business of 
our Department. 

"You were received by Congress with every mark of distinction their 
situation admitted, and had more particular attention paid to you than I 
had known given to any foreigner. Much pleasure was expressed at the 
arrival of a person of your military knowledge and experience, at a time 
when the want of discipline in our army, and the economy it produces, were 
severely felt and regretted. You were waited on by a committee appointed 
for that purpose, from some of whom, as well as the other members of Con- 
gress, I was informed that you had conducted yourself, as to the manner 
in which you agreed to enter our service, with much generosity and disin- 
terestedness, having made no terms either as to rank or pay, leaving it to 
Congress, after experience of your talents and usefulness as a volunteer in 
our service, to fix such as your merits and exertions entitled you to. Your 
having made no contract with our ministers in France was mentioned as 
a circumstance which prevented embarrassments, as some terms had been 
made with gentlemen, which did not meet the approbation of Congress. 
You agreed to take the risk of our affairs; if we were unsuccessful, you would 
of consequence be deprived of any means of compensation for the sacrifices 
you had made of a handsome revenue in Europe, and must have suffered 
the loss of military reputation generally attendant on unsuccessful service. 
But I always understood and believed that in case our cause issued happily, 
and your conduct was approved, Congress deemed it a matter of obligation 
on the United States to indemnify you for the losses and expenses you had 
sustained, as w-ell as to compensate you for services, in common with other 
officers. Precedents for such indemnification having been established even 
antecedent to experience in service, I never looked upon this as a claim 
upon the generosity, but as a demand npon the justice of this country. And 
although there was no written agreement to this purpose, there was clearly 
an implied contract. Your situation being fully stated, and your expecta- 
tions explained, Congress desired you, through their President, to repair 
to camp and join tlie army; and the Board of War was directed to assist you 
for this purpose in such matters as were requested. " 

That the following documents have been supposed to militate against the 
admission of tlie contract relied upon by the memorialist: 

First. A letter from him to Congress, dated Portsmoutli, December 6, 1777, 
in the following terms: 



Proceedings in Congress I2i 

"Hon. Gentlemen: 

"The honor of serving a respectable Nation, engaged in the noble enter- 
prise of defending its rights and liberty, is the only motive tJiat brought me 
over to this continent. I ask neither riches nor titles; I am come here from 
the remotest end of Germany at my own expense, and have given up an 
honorable and lucrative riuik; I have made no condition with your deputies 
in France, nor shall I make any with you. My only ambition is to serve 
you as a volunteer, to deserve tlie confidence of your general-in-chief, and to 
follow him in all his operations, as I have done during seven campaigns with 
the King of Prussia; two-and-twcnty years passed at such a school seem to 
give me a right of thinking myself in the number of experienced officers; 
and if I am possessor of some talents in the art of War, they should be much 
dearer to me if I could employ tliem in the service of a republic, such as 
I soon hope to see America. I should willingly purchase at my whole blood's 
expense the honor of seeing one day my name after those of the defenders 
of your liberty. Your gracious acceptance will be sufficient for me, and I 
ask no other favor than to be received among your ofBcers. I dare hope 
you will agree with this my request, and that you will be so good as to send 
me )'our orders to Boston, where I shall expect them, and accordingly take 
convenient measures. 

"I have the honor to be, with respect, honorable gentlemen, 
"Your most obedient and very humble servant, 

"Steuben." 

Secondly. A report on the files of Congress, of the committee which con- 
ferred with the memorialist at Yorktown, in these words: 

The Baron Steuben, who was a lieutenant general and an aid-de-camp to 
the King of Prussia, desires no rank, is willing to attend General Washington, 
and be subject to his orders; does not require or desire any command of a 
particular corps or division, but will serve occasionally as directed by the 
general; expects to be of use in planning encampments, etc., and promoting 
the discipline of the army. He heard before he left France of the dissatis- 
faction of the Americans with the promotion of foreign officers, therefore 
makes no terms, nor will accept of anything but with general approbation, 
and particularly that of General Washington. 

. Thirdly. A letter from the memorialist to the President of Congress, dated 
in December, 1782, and containing this passage: 

" My demands were these ; to join the army as a volunteer, that I wished to 
be kno\vn by the commander-in-chief, and to leave it to the officers of the army 
if my capacity entitled me to hold a commission in it; that the general would 
employ me in such a branch, where he thought ray services the most useful; 
that I was determined not to ask a favor or reward previous to having deserved 
it; that, however, I expected from tlie generosity of Congress, that, in imitation 
of all European powers, they would defray my expenses, although a volunteer, 
according to the rank which I held in Europe, as well for myself as my aids 
and servants." 

That the Secretary, desirous of knowing what explanation of these docu- 
ments the memorialist might have it in his power to give, did, on the 26th of 
January past, write him a letter in the following words: 

"Among the documents which relate to the circumstances of your entrance 
into the service of the United States, are a letter from you to Congress, dated at 
Portsmouth, the 6th of December, 1777; a report of tlie committee which con- 
ferred with you at Yorktown : and a letter from you to the President of Congress, 
dated in December, 1782. Enclosed you will find copies of the two first, and 
the next act from the last. As these may seem to militate against your claims 
as founded in contract, I think it proper, before I report to the House of Rep- 
resentatives upon your memorial, to afford you an opportunity of making such 
remarks upon those documents as may appear to be advisable." 



122 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

That to this letter the Secretary received an answer, dated the 27th of the 
same month, of which the following is a translation: 

"New York, January 27th, 1790. 

" Sir: The letter which you did rae the honor of addressing to me yesterday 
I have received; and am indebted to you for affording me an opportunity to 
elucidate the nature of my engagement with the United States. From the 
information I received of the Minister of France, that the preferment of for- 
eigners to military employments had been a cause of discontent in the Amer- 
ican Army, I foresaw the necessity of pursuing measures different from those 
which had been adopted by my predecessors, in order to gain admission into 
your Army. 

" Being stu-e of success in my enterprise, as soon as the Commander-in-chief 
and the army should be convinced of the advantages of my military arrange- 
ments, there was but one difficulty to surmount, and, from the complexion of 
the times that difficulty was of the greatest magnitude. It depended upon 
obtaining such a post in the Army as would enable me to make use of the 
knowledge of my profession, and to render it beneficial to the interests of the 
United States, without exciting the dissatisfaction and jealousy of the officers 
of yotu- army. Any conditions proposed by me under these circumstances, 
tending to insure me a recompense proportioned to my sacrifices and my 
services, would not have failed to render all negotiations abortive. But pro- 
posals to serve the United States as a volunteer, without rank or pay, could 
give no umbrage; and siu-ely the proposition was a generous one. 

Suppose, however, I had added that, for the honor of serving the United 
States, I had resigned in my native coimtry honorable and lucrative employ- 
ments; that I had come to America at my own expense, for the purpose of 
fighting her battles ; and that, after she should have obtained her independency, 
I would decline all compensation for the services I had rendered. I would 
ask, sir, in what light would such a proposition have been received by so 
enlightened a body as the Congress of the United States. To me it appears 
that common sense would have declared the author of such a proposition to 
be either a lunatic or a traitor. The former, for his coming from another part 
of the globe to serve a nation unknown to him ; and at the same time renouncing 
all his possessions for a cause to which he was an utter stranger, without having 
in view the gratification of ambition or tJie advancement of interests. The 
latter, as it might appear, that his making such generous proposals to introduce 
himself into your army was with the most dangerous views, for which he 
probably received compensation from the enemy. 

' ' In view of these aspects, would the person making similar propositions have 
been admissible? 

"What measures, then, were necessary to be pursued to enable to render 
those services to the United States which I had proposed to myself. 

"Having made these observations, sir, I entreat you to read my letter to 
Congress of January, 1778; badly translated as it is, it will be intelligible to 
you, as being one of those who are particularly informed of the critical situation 
of Congress and of the army at that period of the Revolution. 

"You will easily discover, sir, that this letter was dictated by no other 
motive than to facilitate my reception into your Army. The effect has 
answered my conjectures and my desires. If, however, I should be charged 
with having made use of illicit stratagems to gain admission into the service 
of the United States, I am sure I have obtained my pardon of the Army, and 
I flatter myself of the citizens of this Republic in general. In consequence 
of this letter, I was directed by a resolution of Congress to join the Army; 
notwithstanding which, I judged it necessary to proceed first to Yorktown, 
as well to pay my respects to that august body who presided over a nation 
whom I was going to serve, as to learn the advantage or disadvantage which 
might result to me from so hazardous enterprise. At my arrival the Congress 
did me the honor of appointing a committee to confer with me. If my first 
letter and the answer to it had been considered by them as a sufficient engage- 



Proceedings in Congress 1 23 

ment, was there any occasion for this committee? Was there any necessity 
for this conference ? All that passed in this conversation is sufficiently proved, 
and needs no further repetition. 

"If, on impartial examination of the subject, it should appear that my 
propositions to this committee were incompatible with my first letter to Con- 
gress I confess that ray judgment misleads me. 

" I represented to the gentlemen of tliat committee that I had not entered 
into any agreement with the American Commissioners in France; that I 
would not insist upon making any present, but would serve the United States 
as a volunteer, without rank or pay, on condition, notwithstanding, that my 
expenses in the Army should be defrayed. I declared to them that I had no 
other fortune than a revenue of about six hundred louis-d'Ors, arising from a 
post I held in my native country, which I was going to resign, to serve the 
United States being disposed to hazard the whole on the event; and that not 
until I had succeeded in my undertakings, and the United States had obtained 
their liberty by a satisfactory peace, would I ask an indemnification for my 
sacrifices and disbursements, and for such other marks of acknowledgement 
and generosity as in the justice of Congress should be deemed adequate to my 
service. 

" It appears that the committee reported to Congress I had made no condi- 
tions, and that I would not accept of anything without general approbation, 
and particularly that of General Washington; although I do not allow that 
report to be exact in its literal sense, yet I do not find it so extraordinary, that 
expectations founded upon the event of a revolution of this nature should be 
represented as making no stipulations. Besides, it seems probable that the 
politics of the times made it necessary to give such a complexion to the report 
as would remove all jealousy. 

"Permit me, sir, to suggest here a question; why not this report (like all 
other reports of committees) entered upon the journals of Congress? I doubt 
whether it would have been contradicted by me; but at least it would have 
afforded me an opportunity of taking precautions. I assure you, sir, upon my 
honor, that this report was never brought into view previous to the year 1778, 
and that I did not see it until General Washington had the goodness to send 
me a copy of it. Be this as it will, no person, sir, is better informed than 
yourself how difficult it was at that time to introduce a foreigner into your 
Army even without any condition whatever. 

"With regard to my second letter of December, 1782, I confess I do not 
find in that any contradiction of the facts represented to have taken place in 
the conference at Yorkto\vn. 

" In this letter I state that my desires were to join your Army as a volunteer; 
that I did not ask any employ, until the approbation of the Commander-in- 
Chief, and the opinion of the Army, should assign me a place in which I 
should be useful, that I ask no compensation until it was merited, provided, 
however, that my expenses for my o^vn person as well as my suite were de- 
frayed by the United States, agreeable to the usage of European powers. I 
perceived that it may be asked, why I did not at that time insist upon my 
contract. I answer, that it was my wish never to mention it, as it appeared 
to me more honorable to the United States, and more flattering to myself, to 
receive a recompense dictated ratlier by generosity than by conditions, and 
that it was with reluctance and through urgent circumstances, upon that 
stipulation which was the basis of my engagement at Yorktown. But there 
is another reason why this contract was not mentioned in my letter immedi- 
ately after the conclusion of the War. 

"The Congress were besieged by a crowd of foreign officers, who were as 
little satisfied as the National troops, which was a circumstance, that, prob- 
ably, induced some respectable persons, then members of Congress, (in whom 
I place the greatest confidence,) to advise me to pass oyer in silence all that 
related to a former contract, and to rest my pretensions solely on the merits 
of my services, and the generosity of the United States. If my memory is 



124 Statue of Baron -von Steuben 

faithful, yourself, sir, were of the number of those by whose opinion I was 
governed. 

" Once more I assure you, sir, that it is with regret I have recourse to that 
contract; but there remains no other resource to obtain that justice which is 
due to me. 

"These, sir, are all the explanations I can give you; if they are not suffi- 
cient, I submit to the consequences. All that I ask of you is, to, accelerate 
the decision; no event can render my situation more unhappy — in fact, it is 
insupportable. 

"There must always remain one consolation; the truth of the facts stated 
in my memorial to Congress cannot be disputed without raising a doubt of 
the veracity of some of the most worthy and respectable characters in the 
United States, several of whom have held, or now hold, the highest places in 
the Government of their country. 

"Having no secretary, you will please, sir, to excuse my addressing you in 
the language which is more familiar to me than the English. 

" I have the honor to be, etc." 

The Secretary further reports: 

That on the 5th of May, 1778, the memorialist was appointed by Congress 
inspector general, with the rank and pay of major general, to which was 
afterwards added a further allowance for the extra service and expense inci- 
dent to the office of inspector-general. 

That there appears on the journals of Congress a report of a committee of 
the 30th of December 1782, stating, 

"ist. That the Baron DE Steuben was in Europe possessed of a respectable 
military rank, and different posts of honor and emolument, which he relin- 
quished to come to America, and offer his services at a critical period of the 
war, and without any previous stipulations. 

"2d. That on his arrival, he actually engaged in the army in a very disin- 
terested manner, and without compensations similar to those which had been 
made to several other foreign officers. 

"3rd. That under singular difficulties and embarrassments in the depart- 
ment in which he had been employed, he has rendered very important and 
substantial services, by introducing into the army a regular formation and 
exact discipline, and by establishing a spirit of order and economy in the in- 
terior administration of the regiments; which, besides other advantages, have 
been productive of immense savings to tlie United States; that in the com- 
mands in which he had been emplo) ed, he has, upon all occasions, conducted 
himself like a brave and experienced officer. 

"The committee, are, therefore, of opinion, that the sacrifices and services 
of the .Baron t>E Steuben justly entitle him to the distinguished notice of 
Congress, and to a generous compensation, whenever the situation of public 
affairs will admit. The committee further report, tliat the Baron DE Steuben 
has considerable arrearages of pay due to him from these States, on a liqui- 
dated account, and tliat, having exhausted his resources, it is now indispen- 
sable thatasumof money should be paid him for his present support, and to 
enable him to take the field another campaign, and propose tliat the sum of 
two tliousand four hundred dollars be paid him for that purpose, and charged 
to his account aforesaid; whereupon Congress resolved 

" That the foregoing proposal of the committee be referred to the Superin- 
tendent of Finance to take order." 

That on the 15th of April 1784, Congress did also resolve 

"That the thanks of the United States, in Congress asembled, be given to 
Baron Steuben, for the great zeal and abilities he has discovered in tlie dis- 
charge of the several duties of his office; that a gold-hilted sword be presented 
to him as a mark of the high sense Congress entertain of his character and 



Proceedings in Congress 125 

services; and that the Superintendent of Finance take order for procuring the 
same; that tlie proper officers proceed to the liquidation of moneys due from 
the United States to Major General Baron Steuben; that the Superintendent 
of Finance report to Congress his opinion of the most speedy and efficacious 
means of procuring and paying the same, either here or in Europe; that Baron 
Steuben be assured that Congress will adopt these or such others as shall 
appear most proper and efTectualfordoinghimthat justice which the peculiar- 
ity of his case authorizes. " 

That on the 27th of September, 1785, Congress did further resolve 

"That, in full consideration of the Baron DE Steuben's having relin- 
quished different posts of honor and emolument in Europe, and rendered most 
essential services to the United States, he be allowed, and paid out of the 
Treasury of the United States, the sum of seven thousand dollars, in addition 
to former grants; that the Baron DE Steuben has received at different times 
sums equal to the amount of the pay and emoluments annexed to his station 
in the American army, to the commutation of a major general, and to the sum 
expressed in the resolution last recited." 

A question arises whether the acceptance of these appointments, emolu- 
ments, and allowances, did virtually supersede the antecedent contract relied 
on by the memorialist, admitting it to have existed. To which he answered, 

"That it cannot be presumed that an individual, in accepting from a Gov- 
ernment the emoluments annexed to a station to which he is appointed for the 
service of that Government unsolicited by him, could remove a prior and more 
beneficial contract. 

"That the more natural presumption is, that Congress, by conferring those 
emoluments, meant to ascertain and limit tlie expenses they had stipulated to 
bear, and to support the respectability of the office they had thought proper 
to create. 

" That, as major general, he received the pay and other emoluments allowed 
to other major generals of the army; as inspector general, he received an extra 
allowance in consideration of extra trouble and expense. 

"That the emoluments allowed to an officer in service can only be referred 
to the services he renders; they can have nothing to do with an indemnity for 
revenues relinquished, and can never be deemed, by mere inference and im- 
plication, to extinguish a contract founded on that principle. 

"That with regard to the acceptance of the last grant, it was a matter of 
pure necessity proceeding from a situation absolutely indigent; and that the 
reverse of a disposition to acquiesce in it has been imiformly manifested on 
his part." 

Having stated the foregoing particulars, which are the most material that 
have come under the observation of the Secretary, relating to the claim of the 
memorialist, he proceeds to remark: 

That the statement made by the memorialist of what passed in the confer- 
ence at Yorktown, is authenticated by such strong, direct, and collateral evi- 
dence, as ought, in the opinion of the Secretary, to secm-e full credit to the 
existence of the fact. Waiving the regard due to the memorialist's own asser- 
tion, it is not supposable that if his representation had been ill-founded, it 
could have obtained the sanction of so many disinterested persons, agents in 
or witnesses to the transaction. That notwiUistanding this, it may be inferred, 
as well from the written report of die committee, as from other circumstances, 
tliat the idea of a precise contract did not generally prevail. It is probable tliat 
as the indemnity and reward for the sacrifices and services of the baron were by 



126 Statiie of Baron von Steuben 



him made to depend on the success of a national revolution, the mention of 
them was viewed rather as a suggestion of expectations than as a stipulation 
of terms. This might the more easily have happened, as it is presumable that 
the situation of the affairs at tlie time must have disposed Congress to con- 
sider an officer who had had opportunities of the memorialist, as a valuable 
acquisition to the service, and to regard a compliance with the expectations 
intimated by him, in the event of success, as too much a matter of course to 
need a stipulation. That this view of the affair appears to the Secretary to 
afford a satisfactory solution of any difficulties which might result from seem- 
ingly discordant circumstances, and to place all the parts of the transaction in 
a simple and consistent light. 

Upon the whole, therefore, as it cannot with propriety be questioned that 
a conversation of the kind stated by the baron did take place at the con- 
ference at Yorktown; as the services rendered by him to the United States 
are acknowledged to have been of a very signal and very meritorious nature; 
as the expectations alleged to have been signified by him, in the conference, 
are all of them reasonable in themselves, being nothing more than that his 
necessary expenses, while in the service of the United States, should be de- 
frayed by them; and that, in case they should establish their independence, 
and he should be successful in his endeavors to serve them , that he should 
receive an indemnification for the income he had relinquished in coming to 
this count^>^ and to such marks of the generosity of the Government as its 
justice should dictate. The Secretary is of the opinion that, whether the 
transaction relied upon by the baron be deemed to have the force of a contract 
or not, it will be most consistent with the dignity and equity of the United 
States to admit it as the basis of a final adjustment of his claims. 

Should this opinion appear well founded, it will remain to designate tlie 
rule by which the necessary expenses of the memorialist are to be adjusted. 
Taking it for granted that his actual expenses will not be deemed a proper 
one, there occurs to the Secretary no better criterion than the current allow- 
ances annexed to the stations he filled. This excludes the half-pay or com- 
mutation. It is presumed that the current allowances to the officers of the 
American army, in general, were regulated wholly with a view to have their 
present support, according to their respective situations, and the half-pay 
granted as a future reward. 

According to this principle, the Secretary has caused anaccount to be stated, 
which is hereunto annexed, in which the memorialist is credited with his 
emoluments as major general and inspector general (exclusive of half-pay 
or commutation), and with an aimuity of five hundred and eighty guineas 
(being the amount of the income stated to have been relinquished by him) 
from the time he left Europe to the last of December, 1789, with interest at 
six per cent per annum; and is charged with all moneys, under whatever 
denomination, received by him from the United States, with interest at the 
like rate; upon which statement there is a balance in his favor for seven thou- 
sand three hundred and ninety-six dollars and seventy four ninetieths. 

In addition to this, he would be entitled, for the remainder of his life, to the 
yearly sum of five hundred and eighty guineas as a continuation of the indem- 
nity for the income relinquished; and to such reward as the Government, 



Proceedings in Congress 127 

in its discretion, should tliink fit to allow, for which purpose a moderate grant 
of land, if deemed expedient, would suffice. 

The Secretary' begs leave further to state, that there is good ground to believe 
that the above-mentioned balance will be short of a sufficient sum to discharge 
the debts now owing by the memorialist, and contracted partly to enable him 
to come to this country, and partlj^ for his subsistence here; and, in the last 
place, to observe that the situation of the memorialist, who (being a foreigner) 
voluntarily came to offer his services to the United .States in a critical and 
perilous moment, and who, from the circumstances of his having been a for- 
eigner, is less likely to participate in the collateral rewards which in numerous 
instances await those who have distinguished themselves in the American 
revolution, (while he cannot, like many otlier foreign officers, look for rewards 
elsewhere,) gives a peculiarity to his case which strengthens his other preten- 
sions. That it appears unequivocally that his services have been of a nature 
peculiarly valuable and interesting to the American cause, and such as furnish 
weighty considerations, as well public as personal, for rescuing him from the 
indigence in which he is now involved, and from tlie still greater extremities 
with which he is tlireatened. A settlement on the principles suggested in 
this report will terminate all the claims of the memorialist on the United States 
in a manner equally satisfactory to him, and honorable to them. 

All which is humbly submitted. 

Alexander Hamilton, 
Secretary of the Treasury- . 

MONDAY, APRIL 19, 1790 

The report of the Secretary of the Treasury on the memo- 
rial pf the Baron Steuben, was read a second time. This 
report was lengthy; the reading and discussion employed 
the attention of the House this day. The result was the 
adoption of a motion introduced by Mr. Gerry, "That a 
committee be appointed to report a bill, or resolutions, in 
conformity to the report of the Secretary of the Treasury". 
The committee appointed consisted of Messrs. Gerry, Wads- 
worth, Vinning, Lawrence, and Smith of South Carolina. 

FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 1790 

Mr. Gerry, from the Committee appointed for the purpose, 
presented a bill for finally adjusting the claims of Frederick 
William de Steuben. 

tuesday, may 4, 1790 

The House resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole 
on the bill for finally adjusting and satisfying the claim of 
Frederick William de Steuben, Mr. Livermore in the Chair. 



128 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

Mr. Stone moved that the report of the Secretary of the 
Treasury on the Baron's memorial should be read; the Clerk 
read the same. The committee proceeded in the discussion 
of the bill. 

The clause which proposes an annuity for life was objected 
to. Several amendments were proposed and lost. A 
lengthy debate was supported on other propositions, but a 
motion for the committee's rising prevented a decision. 

THtJRSDAY, MAY 6, 1790 

The House again resolved itself into a Committee of the 
Whole on the bill for adjusting the claim of Baron Steuben, 
Mr. Livermore in the Chair. After some time spent on the 
bill, the committee rose, and reported it to the House without 
amendment. The bill was ordered to lie on the table. 

FRIDAY, MAY 7, 1790 

The House proceeded to consider the bill for finally ad- 
justing and satisfying the claims of Frederick William 
DE Steuben, which lay on the table. 

Mr. Page (of Virginia) made the following remarks, which 
is believed to be the only speech reported on this subject: 
"Mr. Speaker: 

* * * Sir, this illustrious veteran offered his serv- 
ices on such generous terms, and served us so essentially, 
that I shall blush for Congress should the ideas of some 
gentlemen now prevail. It is unworthy of Congress, 
after having so long enjoyed the benefits of those serv- 
ices, now to be thus coldly scrutinizing the terms on 
which he offered them, and speaking of them as of little 
importance. I shall weigh them not with the dollars pro- 
posed; they are far beyond any sum which we can give. 
* * * If I should be at liberty to propose a compensa- 
tion for the sacrifices he made by coming to America, and 
serving in her war, and to recompense him for his great 
services, I am sure I shall propose a much larger sum than 
has yet been talked of. 



Proceedings in Congress 129 

"Sir, had the Baron stipulated to receive but 2 per cent 
on the articles under his direction, or I may say on what he 
saved, he would be entitled to much more than is now pro- 
posed to be given him. The economy he introduced into 
the army was the occasion of an immense saving. Who 
can say now what was saved in arms, accoutrements, and 
ammunition, and by the reduction of baggage and forage? 
I have been told that officers, who had loaded a wagon 
with their baggage, were soon reduced to a single pack- 
horse. 

"Some gentlemen have made light of the discipline which 
has been attributed to the Baron, and told us of the affairs of 
Btmker's Hill, Trenton, Princeton, and Germantown. It 
was true these were brilliant actions; but the member from 
South Carolina (Mr. Smith) and the member from Delaware 
had replied fully to this observation. They well observed, 
that brilliant as those actions were, valor without discipline 
is often vain, and may lead only to destruction; that the 
commander in chief did wonders without the Baron, and 
(they might have added) he was wonderful in resources, and 
'in himself a host.' But we should not now consider what 
the commander in chief did before he had the Baron's assist- 
ance, but what he did with his assistance, and what use he 
made of his services; and to this, as far as relates to the 
Baron, he has repeatedly and generously borne ample tes- 
timony. 

"Sir, the Baron, as Adjutant-General and Director-Gen- 
eral, was peculiarly adapted to the purpose of the Ameri- 
can Army. Having served twenty-two years in the Prus- 
sian army, which Americans had been taught to believe was 
the best disciplined in the world, his discipline was more 
readily embraced, and more confidence reposed in it than 
would have been the case had almost any other man, of any 
other nation, undertaken that great task. The praise now 
given to the Baron is no disparagement therefore to other 

84647°— 14 9 



130 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

officers. The Commander-in-chief stood in need of an Ad- 
jutant like him, from the pecuHar situation of our army, 
and has acknowledged his services; therefore it does not 
become us to speak of them as unimportant. 

***** 

"Sir, I have asked officers, and some of them now in this 
House, whether I have misunderstood or overrated the 
Baron's claim, and I have been constantly told that I did 
not. Though I had not the honor of being in the army, I 
was well informed by my correspondents there of many 
important circumstances; and on inquiring what were the 
effects produced by the new Adjutant and Director-General 
(the Baron Steuben), I was told that they were visible in 
many economical arrangements, in dispositions of corps, in 
maneuvering, in marches, in encampments, and particu- 
larly in more silent and rapid movements and preparations 
for action. I was told that when the Marquis de Lafayette, 
with a detachment tmder his command, was in danger of 
being cut off on his return to the army, and the Commander- 
in-chief was determined to support that invaluable officer, 
the whole army was under arms and ready to march in less 
than fifteen minutes from the time the signal was given. 

"Sir, the effect of this discipline was seen in the marches 
of our army; they passed rivers in less time than the best 
troops in Europe could. Those excellent French troops, 
which served with them in the campaign of 1781, were in- 
ferior to them in this respect. The superiority of our 
troops, as to rapidity of movement, was seen in the attacks 
on the two redoubts of Yorktown, in Virginia. 

" We have been asked, what will our officers say to this 
vote in favor of the Baron? I will venture to say, sir, 
they will be pleased with it. They acknowledge the obli- 
gations they were tmder to that great man; they view his 
circumstances in the same light as that gallant officer does, 
who is now the Secretary, and who drew the report on 
which the bill before you is founded, and which does honor 
to his heart." 



Proceedings in Congress 131 



By a vote of 28 yeas to 21 nays, the House struck from 
the bill the section providing that there be allowed to 
Steuben the pay and other emoluments of major general 
and inspector general from March 10, 1778 to April 15, 1784; 
an annuity for life of $2,706 to commence October i, 1777; 

and thousand acres of land in the Western 

Territory of the United States. 

A motion was then made and seconded; to insert, in lieu 

of the said words so stricken out, the following clause, to 

wit: 

That, in order to make full and adequate compensation to Frederick 
William dE SteubEn, as well for the sacrifices and eminent services, made 
and rendered to the United States during the late war, as for the commuta- 
tion or half pay, promised by the resolutions of Gingress, there be paid to the 
said Frederick William de Steuben, tlie sum of seven thousand dollars, 
in addition to the moneys already received by him, and also an annuity 

of dollars during life, to commence on the first day of January last, 

to be paid in quarterly payments, at the Treasury of the United States; 
which several sums shall be considered in full discharge of all claims and 
demands whatever of the said Frederick William de SteubEn against 
tile United States. 

And, on the question being put thereupon, 

It was resolved in the affirmative. 

And then the said bill, being further amended at the 
Clerk's table was, together with the amendments ordered to 
be engrossed, and read the third time on Monday next. 

MONDAY, MAY 10, 1790 

The bill for adjusting and settling the claims of Freder- 
ick WiLUAM DE Steuben was brought in, engrossed, and 
read the third time. The gratuity in land being omitted in 
the bill, Mr. Smith, of South Carolina, supposing the omis- 
sion to be an error, moved that the bill be recommitted, in 
order to reinsert the clause. This motion, after a short 
discussion, was lost. 

The blank, in the clause stating the annuity, Mr. Smith, 
of South Carolina, moved should be filled up with 2,700 
dollars. 

After some debate the yeas and nays were taken, and the 
motion was negatived, as follows: Yeas, 25; nays, 30. 



132 Statue of Baron -von Steuben 

A motion was made to fix the annuity at 2,500 dollars. 
This was negatived — yeas 25, nays 30; 

As was a motion for 2,400 dollars — yeas 25, nays 30. 

A motion for 2,000 dollars was agreed to — yeas 31 , nays 24. 

The bill being completed, on the question. Shall the bill 
pass ? It was carried in the affirmative — the yeas and nays 
being as follows: Yeas, 34; nays, 21. 

SENATE 

MONDAY, MAY 10, 1790 

A message from the House of Representatives informed 
the Senate, that they have passed a bill for finally adjusting 
and satisfying the claims of Frederick William de Steu- 
ben; to which they desire the concurrence of the Senate. 

The bill for finally adjustmg and satisfying the claims of 
Frederick William de Steuben was read the first time. 

Ordered, That this bill have the second reading tomorrow. 

TUESDAY, MAY 11, 1790 

The Senate resumed the second reading of the bill for 
finally adjusting and satisfying the claims of Frederick 
William de Steuben. 

Ordered, That it be committed to Messrs. Maclay, Strong, 
Izard, Ellsworth, and Johnston. 

MONDAY, MAY 24, 1790 

Mr. Maclay reported from the committee appointed May 
I ith, on the bill for finally adjusting and satisfying the claims 
of Frederick William de Steuben. 

Ordered, That this report lie for consideration until 
tomorrow. 

TUESDAY, MAY 25, 1790 

The Senate proceeded to consider the report of the com- 
mittee on the bill for finally adjusting and satisfying the 
claims of Frederick de Steuben, which is as follows: 

In the second line, strike out from the word "order", 
inclusive, to the end of the bill and insert, " consideration of 
the eminent services of the Baron dE Steuben, rendered to 



Proceedings in Congress 133 

the United States during the late war, there be paid to him 
an annuity of one thousand dollars, to commence on the 
first day of January last, to be paid in quarterly payments 
at the Treasury of the United States:" and, after debate, 
the further consideration thereof was postponed luitil 
tomorrow. 

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 1790 

The Senate proceeded to the consideration of the report of 
the committee on the bill for finally adjusting and satisfying 
the claims of Frederick William de Steuben. 

And, on the question to agree to the report of the com- 
mittee, the yeas and nays being required by one-fifth of the 
Senators present, were: Yeas, 8; nays, i6. 

So it passed in the negative. 

On motion that the opinion of the Senate be taken, 
whether two thousand dollars, line 7th, shall stand in the 
bill; the yeas and nays being required by one-fifth of the 
Senators present; Yeas, 12; nays, 12. 

The yeas and nays being equal, the Vice President deter- 
mined the question in the afiirmative. 

On the motion that these words, " the sum of seven thou- 
sand dollars, in addition to the moneys already received by 
him, and also," be stricken out of the bill; the yeas and nays 
being required by one-fifth of the Senators present: Yeas, 
12; nays, 12. 

The number being equal, the Vice President determined 
the question in the negative. 

Ordered, That tomorrow be assigned for the third reading 
of this bill. 

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 1790 

The Senate proceeded to the third reading of the bill pro- 
viding for finally adjusting and satisfying the claims of 
Frederick William de Steuben. 

On motion to strike out the words "the sum of 7,000 
dollars, in addition to moneys already received by him, and 
also": 

It passed in the affirmative. 



134 Statue of Baron von Steuben 



On motion to insert, line 7th, "five htindred", after the 
words " two thousand " : 

The yeas and nays being required by one-fifth of the 
Senators present : Yeas, 12, nays, 12. 

The yeas and nays being equal, the Vice President deter- 
mined the question in the affirmative : whereupon 

Resolved, That this bill do pass with the amendments. 

Ordered, That the Secretary acquaint the House of Rep- 
resentatives herewith, and request their conciurence in the 
amendments. 

HOUSE 

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 1790 

A message was received from the Senate, informing the 
House that they had passed Baron Steuben's bill with 
amendments. The said amendments were laid on the table. 
The Senate propose to increase the annuity from two thou- 
sand to two thousand five hundred dollars, and to disallow 
the payment of the seven thousand dollars. 

FRIDAY, MAY 28, 1790 

The House took up the amendments proposed by the 
Senate to the bill for adjusting and satisfying the claim of 
Frederick William de Steuben. Mr. Goodhue moved that 
the consideration thereof be postponed to the next session. 
This motion was opposed by Messrs. Gerry, Vining, Smith, 
of South Carolina, Page, Carroll, and Livermore, and being 
put was negatived. 

The several amendments were agreed to. That which 
proposes, after striking out the seven thousand dollars, to 
add five hundred dollars to the annuity, was, on motion of 
Mr. Thatcher, determined by yeas and nays. Yeas, 32; 
nays, 25. 

SENATE 

MONDAY, MAY 31, 1790 

A message from the House of Representatives informed the 
Senate, that they have agreed to the amendments of the 
Senate to the bill for finally adjusting and satisfying the 
claims of Frederick William de Steuben. 



Proceedings in Congress 135 

HOUSE 

FRIDAY, JUNE 4, 1790 

A message was received from the President of the United 
States, by Mr. Lear, his Secretary, notifying that the Presi- 
dent approves of the following acts: One entitled "An act 
for finally adjusting and satisfying the claims of Frederick 
William de Steuben." 

SENATE 

MONDAY, JUNE 7, 1790 

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. 
Beckley, their Clerk : 

Mr. President: I am directed to inform the Senate, that 
the President of the United States did, on the 4th of June, 
1790, approve of, and affix his signature to, "An act for 
finally adjusting and satisfying the claims of Frederick 
William de Steuben." 

The act (6 Stats. L., 2) follows: 

An Act for finally adjusting and satisfying the claims of Frederick Wiluam 

DE Steuben ' 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of 
America, in Congress assembled. That, in order to make full and adequate com- 
pensation to Frederick William de Steuben, for the sacrifices and eminent 
services made and rendered to the United States during the late war, there be 
paid to the said Frederick William de Steuben, an annuity of two thousand 
five hundred dollars, during life, to commence on the first day of January last; 
to be paid in quarterly payments, at the treasury of the United States; which 
said annuity shall be considered in full discharge of all claims and demands 
whatever, of the said Frederick William de Steuben against the United 
States. 



(Signed) 



Approved, June 4, 1790. 
G? Washington, 

President of the United States. 



Frederick Augustus Muhlenberg, 

Speaker of the House of Representatives. 

John Adams, 

Vice President of the United States and 
President of the Senate. 



1 This was the first private pension act passed by the Congress of the United States and the 
third private act of any nature passed by the First Congress. 



FIFTY-SEVENTH CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION 

[Extracts from the Congressional Record] 

HOUSE 

MAY 22, 1902 

A bill (H. R. 14644) for the erection of an equestrian 
statue to the memory of Baron Steuben at Washington, 
D. C, introduced by Mr. Bartholdt, of Missouri, and 
referred to the Committee on the Library. 

The bill (H. R. 14644) follows: 

[H. R. 14644, Fifty-seventh Congress, first session] 

In the House of Representatives 

May 22, 1902 

Mr. Bartholdt introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Com- 
mittee on the Library and ordered to be printed. 

A BILIy For the erection of an equestrian statue to the memory of Baron SlEtJBEN at 
Washington, District of Columbia 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States 
of America in Congress assembled. That the sum of $50,000, or so much thereof 
as may be necessary, be, and is hereby, appropriated, out of any money 
in the Treasiuy not otherwise appropriated, to be used for the erection of an 
equestrian statue to the memory of Baron Steuben at Washington, District of 
Columbia, and for grading and inclosing with stone curbing and iron fencing the 
site upon which said equestrian statue shall be erected, which sum shall be 
expended under the direction of the Secretary of War or such officer as he 
may designate: Provided, That the money hereby appropriated shall be 
drawn from time to time only as may be required during the progress of the 
work and upon the requisition of tlie Secretary of War: And provided further. 
That a site for said monument shall be selected by the Secretary of War 
and the two chairmen, respectively, of the Senate and House Committees 
on the Library, and that no part of the sum hereby appropriated shall be 
expended until a suitable site at Washington, District of Columbia, for the 
erection of said equestrian statue shall be selected. 

JUNE 14, 1902 

Mr. McCleary, from the Committee on the Library, to 
which was referred the bill of the House (H. R. 14644) 
for the erection of an equestrian statue to the memory 

136 



Proceedings in Congress 137 

of Baron Steuben at Washington, D. C, reported the 
same with amendments, accompanied by a report (No. 
2497), which said bill and report were referred to the 
Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union. 
The report (No. 2497) follows: 

[House Report No. 2497, Fifty-seventh Congress, first session] 

Equestrian Statue to Memory of Baron Steuben 

June 14, 1902. — Reported with amendments, committed to the Committee 
of the Whole House on the state of the Union, and ordered to be printed 

Mr. McCIeary, from the Committee on the Library, submitted the following 
report (to accompany H. R. 14644): 

The Committee on the Library, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 14644) 
for the erection of an equestrian statue to the memorj' of Baron Steuben 
at W'ashington, D. C, beg leave to submit the following report and recom- 
mend that said bill do pass with the following amendments: 

On line 8, page i, strike out the words, "and iron fencing," and on line i, 
page 2, after the word "site," insert the words "and design." 

A centtu-y and a quarter have passed since Frederick William Augustus 
Henry Ferdinand von Steuben, or Baron Steuben, as he is more com- 
monly called, came to America to offer his services to the young Republic 
struggling for existence, and yet the Nation that he served so well has done 
practically nothing to indicate that it appreciates those services. Even in 
our histories he has not been accorded the position to which he is entitled. 
Indeed, there appears to be but one extended biography of Steuben avail- 
able — that of Frederick Kapp, from which the matter for this report has been 
mainly obtained. 

This failure of history to give Steuben due consideration has been thus 
explained by Representative Bartholdt: 

"There is reason, perhaps, for the failure of historians to accord a fitting 
position to Steuben in tlie record of the struggle of the American Colonies 
for independence, however regrettable the fact may be to the impartial 
student of the man's worth and work. Readers of history are attracted to 
the part played by men who lead battalions in stirring charges, to the heroes 
in action on the battle fields, just as the patrons of a theater applaud the star, 
unmindful , if not ignorant, of the importance of the work of the stage manager 
who has furnished the settings for the play, arranged the scenic effects, and 
made the actor's triumph possible. 

"Steuben was the stage manager, as it were, in the presentation of the 
Revolutionary War drama, and his work has been forgotten in tlie applause 
and admiration of the incomparable genius of Washington and the dash and 
daring of other leaders in the field whose efforts resulted in brilliant feats 
of arms and the achievement of American independence. Baron Steuben 
worked behind the scenes. He took over the ragged tatterdemalions of 
Washington at Valley Forge and, in the face of almost insuperable obstacles, 
worked them into an army that did yeoman service on so many fields later. 



138 Statue of Baron -von Steuben 

It was Steuben who took in charge the raw material, the undisciplined 
recruits, and developed an army which for efficiency has challenged the 
admiration of the world." 

Kapp thus epitomizes the baron's life: 

"Spnmg from an old, noble, and military family of Prussia, as a child he 
accompanied his father in his campaign in the Crimea and during his sojourn 
in Russia. As a boy he was present at the siege of Prague, and as a youth 
he entered the service of Frederick the Great, the greatest commander of the 
age, and fought with distinction in the bloodiest engagements of the Seven 
Years' War. Taken prisoner by the Russians, he spent some time at the 
Court of St. Petersburg, and, when set at liberty by Peter III, he remained 
imtil the end of the war attached to the personal staff of the great King. The 
calm which succeeded the stormy events of his youth was not destined to be 
everlasting. As soon as prospects of fame and active exertions were opened 
up to him at Versailles he threw up his agreeable but inactive appointment 
at home and hastened to America to devote his military knowledge and 
experience to the conquest of American liberty, and to fight under George 
Washington for the independence of the United States. His efforts were 
crowned with success; and after the termination of the war Steuben finally 
retired into private life to end a career devoted to the public good, in hon- 
orable but unassuming poverty, in a rough log house in the backwoods." 

The career of Baron Steuben is one of absorbing interest. 

Prague and Kunersdorf, St. Petersburg and Berlin, Versailles and Phila- 
delphia, Yorktown and New York are the landmarks of this existence. 

Steuben was bom November 15, 1730, at Magdebiu-g, a large Prussian 
fortress on the Elbe. At that time his father was captain in the Prussian 
engineers, and when he was called to service in the Crimea and Cronstadt 
the son accompanied him. In 1740 he returned with his father to Prussia. 
In 1744, when scarcely 14 years of age, during the War of the Austrian Suc- 
cession, he was present at the protracted and sanguinary siege of Prague. 
Thus from his earliest years Steuben was familiar with soldiers and things 
pertaining to war. In the Seven Years' War he so greatly distinguished 
himself as to attract the attention and approval of King Frederick the Great, 
who appointed Steuben as aid-de-camp on his personal staff. He was one 
of six talented young officers whom the King personally instructed and 
initiated into the most abstruse branches of the military art. The distinc- 
tion of being thus chosen is convincing proof of Steuben 's merit and promise. 
With Frederick the Great neither high birth nor family influence had any 
weight in the selection of his military favorites; talent and fitness were the 
only recommendation to his favor. 

In 1764, having resigned from the service of Prussia, Steuben accepted 
the office of grand marshal of the court of the Prince of Hohenzollem- 
Hechingen, the honorable and responsible duties of which he discharged 
with great credit for some 10 years. For some years the dignified tranquillity 
of this coiul; life furnished agreeable repose for him, tired as he was of the 
bivouac and the camp. But it could not satisfy his ardent and impetuous 
temperament or induce him to renounce the active duties from which for a 
season he had withdrawn. So he began to look around for a fitting oppor- 
timity to reenter active military service. 



Proceedings in Congress 139 

The Prussian officers of that time were so fully convinced of their impor- 
tance and superiority over all other troops that they always expected to 
receive higher rank than that which they had under the King, and there- 
fore very often rejected propositions made to them by foreign powers who 
were anxious to profit by their knowledge and experience, but were unwilling 
to excite jealousy among their own officers by placing foreigners over their 
heads. 

Fortunately for the United States, owing to these conditions, Steuben 
did not find it easy, notwithstanding his excellent reputation, to secure a 
position that he felt to be worthy of him and his training. 

In 1777 was opened up to him, in a manner wholly unexpected, the 
opportimity which was to crown his life. On his way to England to visit 
some friends, he went to Paris. Arriving there on May 2, he sought an 
interview with Count de St. Germain, an old friend of his, whom the King 
of France had recently appointed minister of war. The count sent him 
word that he would rather not see him at Versailles, but that he would be 
"glad to meet him in three days at the Paris Arsenal, where he intended 
to have a particular conversation with him, and that he would send an officer 
to conduct him to the place of rendezvous." 

At the time designated. Count de St. Germain arrived in Paris, sent for 
Steuben, and received him in his cabinet. The count said that he had 
intended to write to the baron, "to submit a project which he thought 
would prove very advantageous, and for the execution of which he tliought 
the baron the proper person. " Then, taking a map and pointing to America, 
he said, "Here is your field of battle. Here is a Republic which you must 
serve. You are the very man which she needs at this moment. If you 
succeed, your fortune is made, and you will acquire more glory than you 
could hope for in Europe in a great many years to come." He then entered 
into a minute description of the situation of the United States, adding that 
"it would be a meritorious office to assist in building up the grand edifice 
of that rising Republic." 

The count showed to Steuben the resources which the Americans had, 
and indicated the support which they might expect indirectly from France 
and Spain, even intimating the possibility later of an open alliance between 
those countries and the United States. 

Then, with great discernment and perfect frankness, he turned to the 
other side of the picture and detailed to STEUBE^f the many disadvantages 
under which the United States labored, showing that the American Army 
had no regular formation; that, their enlistments being for very short 
periods, their Army had no order or method of keeping the corps together; 
that the loss of the men not only continually destroyed the formation of 
the corps, but caused the most terrible destruction of horses, arms, clothing, 
and every species of camp equipage; that the consumption of these articles 
was enormous; that they were in want of some officer of experience to be 
charged with the details, who was not only acquainted with the regular 
formation of an army, but who could trace out for them a system of economy 
for the disbursement's of the Army, and, by a rigid inspection, prevent those 
abuses which might otlierwise tend to the destruction of the country. 



140 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

He added that "if some such order were not established, the resources 
of the United States must very soon be exhausted, nor would it be in the 
power of their friends in Europe to supply so enormous an expense; that 
among all the foreign officers who had gone to America there was not one 
who possessed sufficient information on these points, and that the com- 
mander in chief and Congress would be extremely happy to meet with an 
officer of experience to assist in establishing order, which was so indispen- 
sably necessary." 

St. Germain had been in the service of the King of Denmark. At the 
close of the Seven Years' War, while still in the Danish service, he had met 
Steuben and had formed a high opinion of the sound judgment and military 
ability of King Frederick's aid-de-camp. So St. Germain, who had great 
admiration for Prussian military methods, had implicit faith in the com- 
petency of Steuben to perform for the Army of the United States the pe- 
culiar and surpassingly valuable service which it then so greatly needed. 

Steuben was no longer young. He could not speak the English language, 
except very imperfectly. He was occupying an honorable and comfortable 
position at home. 

On the other hand, the outlook in America was not specially alluring. 
Franklin and Deane, the American agents in France, could not even provide 
for his expenses to the United States. Nor could they assure him such an 
appointment in the Army as would enable him to render the services so 
much needed. He found that the preferment of foreigners in the military 
service had been a cause of discontent in the American Army. As he 
afterwards wrote to Alexander Hamilton: 

"Any conditions proposed by me under these circumstances, tending to 
assvire me a recompense proportioned to my sacrifices and my services, would 
have rendered all my negotiations abortive. But proposals to serve the United 
States as volunteer, without rank or pay, could give no umbrage." 

Steuben gave the entire matter due consideration, then he deliberately 
chose to leave home and kindred and powerful connections for a life of danger, 
privation, and uncertainty in a strange land, with whose language even he 
was unacquainted. 

He left Europe, where he had won hard-earned distinction and fame — 
where if he was not opulent he had at least a sufficient competence — to serve 
a cotmtry engaged in an obstinate, exhausting, and hitherto unsuccessful 
war, where his prospects of professional advancement were by no means 
assured, and which offered no inducements of a pecuniary or material nature. 
Confident in himself, urged by high and generous motives, he determined to 
offer his sword to a nation struggling for her rights and liberties. He made 
no conditions. He bargained for no reward. 

Having borrowed from Beaumarchais the money needed to fit him out, 
and having secured from Franklin, Deane, and Beaumarchais letters of 
introduction to Gen. Washington, Samuel Adams, President Laurens, Robert 
Morris, and other leading Americans, Steuben, on September 26, 1777, 
started from Marseille for the United States. 

Steuben's name was entered on the ship's books as Frank, and under 
this name the French ministers gave him dispatches to the Marquis de 



Proceedings in Congress 141 

Bouilly, governor of Martinique, in order to guard against the evil conse- 
quences of capture by the British cruisers. 

Arriving at Portsmouth, N. H., on the first day of December, 1777, \ 

Steuben, on December 6, wrote to the Congress a letter which is worthy 
of being quoted here in its entirety, as illustrating the spirit of the man. It 
was as follows: 

"Honorable Gentlemen: The honor of serving a nation engaged in de- 
fending its rights and liberties was the motive that brought me to this con- 
tinent. I ask neither riches nor titles. I am come here from the remotest 
end of Germany, at my own expense, and have given up honorable and lucra- 
tive rank. I have made no condition with your deputies in France, nor shall 
I make any with you. My only ambition is to serve you as a volunteer, 
to deser\'e the confidence of your general in chief, and to follow him in all his 
operations as I have done during seven campaigns with the King of Prussia. 
Two and twenty years spent in such a school seem to give me a right of 
thinking myself among the number of experienced officers, and if I am pos- 
sessed of the acquirements in the art of war they will be much more prized 
by me if I can employ them in the serv'ice of a republic such as I hope to 
soon see America. I should willingly purchase at the expense of my blood 
the honor of having my name enrolled among those of the defenders of your 
liberty. Yoiu- gracious acceptance will be sufficient for me, and I ask no 
otlier favor than to be received among your officers. I venture to hope that 
you will grant this my request, and that you will be so good as to send me 
your orders to Boston, where I shall await them and take suitable measiores 
in accordance . ' ' 

In a letter to Washington, of the same date, he said: 

"Sir: The inclosed copy of a letter, the original of which I shall have the 
honor to present to Your Excellency, will inform you of the motives that 
brought me over to this land. I shall only add to it that the object of my 
greatest ambition is to render the country all the service in my power, and 
to deserve the title of a citizen of America by fighting for the cause of your 
liberty. If the distinguished ranks in which I have served in Europe should 
be an obstacle, I had rather serve under Your Excellency as a volxmteer than 
to be an object of discontent to such deserving officers as have already distin- 
guished themselves among you. Such being the sentiments I have always 
professed, I dare hope that the respectable Congress of the United States 
of America will accept my services. I could say, moreover, were it not for 
the fear of offending your modesty, that Your Excellency is the only person 
under whom, after having served the King of Prussia, I could wish to follow 
a profession to the study of which I have wholly devoted myself. I intend 
to go to Boston in a few days, where I shall present my letters to Mr. Hancock, 
Member of Congress, and there I shall await Your Excellency's orders." 

At Boston, Steuben was entertained by John Hancock, who had just 
retired from the presidency of the Congress, and here, after waiting five 
weeks, he received Washington's answer to his letter. It advised him to 
report at once to Congress, then sitting at York, Pa., since it belonged exclu- 
sively to that body to enter into negotiations with him. 

The fame of Steuben had preceded him to York and he was cordially 
received by Congress. A committee of three members was appointed to 



142 Status of Baron von Steuben 

confer with him and ascertain the conditions on which he was willing to 
serve the United States, and whether he had made any arrangements with 
the American deputies in France. His answer is pertinent to this report. 

He said that he had made no agreement with them, nor was it his inten- 
tion to accept any rank or pay; that he wished to join the Army as a vol- 
tmteer, and to render such services as the commander in chief should think 
him capable of, adding that he had no other fortune than a revenue of about 
600 guineas per annum, arising from places and posts of honor in Germany, 
which he had relinquished to come to this country; that in consideration 
of this he expected the United States would defray his necessary expenses 
while in their service; that if, unhappily, this country should not succeed 
in establishing their independence, or if he should not succeed in his en- 
deavors in their service, in either of these cases he should consider the United 
States as free from any obligations toward him; but if, on the other hand, 
the United States should be fortunate enough to establish their freedom, 
and if his efforts should be successful, in that case he should expect a full 
indemnification for the sacrifice he had made in coming over, and such marks 
of their liberality as the justice of the United States should dictate. 

Congress, throifgh its president, Mr. Laurens, accepted his generous propo- 
sition and directed him to report to Gen. Washington at Valley Forge. Here 
Steuben began a work the value of which can scarcely be overestimated. 

In order to understand the conditions which he found at Valley Forge it 
is necessary to recall that imder the Articles of Confederation, then the form 
of union in spirit if not in fact, the Government of the United States was 
vested in a Congress. This Congress could not legislate; it could only rec- 
ommend. If money was needed for the purposes of the United States, tlie 
Congress could not lay or collect a dollar in the way of taxation. It could 
only apportion the amounts to be raised among tlie several States and ask 
each to raise the amount apportioned to it. The States could raise the amount 
or not as they saw fit. If the United States needed soldiers. Congress could not 
compel the service of a single man. All that Congress could do was to call 
upon the several States to raise their respective quotas. To this call the 
several States could respond or not as they saw fit. The United States had a 
government in name but not in fact. 

Small wonder, then, that there was lack of uniformity in the terms and 
conditions of enlistments, that there was a constant ebb and flow among 
the men in the ranks, and that there was exceedingly great difficulty in organ- 
izing the Army according to any general order; that it was hard, indeed, to 
make out of the assembled men an army at all. 

The encampment at Valley Forge, lasting through the winter of 1777-78 
and until the i8th of the following June, marks one of the most trying periods 
of the Revolutionary War. Here, under the most discoiu-aging circumstances, 
began the services of Baron Steuben to the American people. It seems 
only proper that Steuben's view of the situation should be given in his 
ovm words. The following statements are taken from a letter written by him 
from Valley Forge: 

"The situation of affairs in general, and of our army at Valley Forge in par- 
ticular, is too well known to need a description. My determination must 
have been very firm that I did not abandon my design when I saw the troops. 



Proceedings in Congress 1 43 



Matters had to be remedied, but where to commence was the great difficulty. 
In the first place I had to inform myself relative to the military administration. 

* # * * * 

"The general asked me to give him some statements concerning the ar- 
rangements of the departments and their various branches in the European 
armies. I gave them to him, and, detailing therein the duties of each depart- 
ment and of its different branches, dilated upon the functions of the quarter- 
masters (marechaux gen^raux de logis) in particular, in which branch I had 
served myself for a long time in the Seven Years' War. But the English 
system, bad as it is, had already taken root. Each company and quarter- 
master had a commission of so much per cent on all the money expended. 
It was nattu-al, therefore, that expense; was not spared — that wants were 
discovered where tliere were none; anc' it was also natural that the dearest 
articles were those that suited the c( mmissioners best. Hence the depre- 
ciation of our currency; hence the ex.iense of so many millions. 

" I pointed out to General Washington and several Members of Congress 
the advantages of the contract system. I even drew up a memorandum 
on the subject, which Colonel Laurens translated into English, showing the 
way in which things were contracted for in the Prussian and French armies. 
But whether it was that they thought such a system impracticable in this 
country, or whether they were unable to check the torrent of expense, things 
remained as they were. 

***** 

" I directed my attention to the condition of the troops, and I found an 
ample field, where disorder and confusion were supreme. As this became 
my principal object, I must enter into some particular details. 

"The effective strength of the Army was divided into divisions, com- 
manded by major generals; into brigades, commanded by brigadier generals; 
and into regiments, commanded by colonels. The number of men in a 
regiment was fixed by Congress, as well as in a company — so many infantry, 
cavalry, and artillery. But the eternal ebb and flow of men engaged for 
three, six, and nine months, who went and came every day, rendered it 
impossible to have either a regiment or a company complete; and the words 
company, regiment, brigade, and division were so vague that they did not 
convey any idea upon which to form a calculation, either of a particular 
corps or of the Army in general. They were so unequal in their number 
that it would have been impossible to execute any maneuvers. Sometimes 
a regiment was stronger than a brigade. I have seen a regiment consisting of 
thirty men and a company of one corporal. Nothing was so difficult, and often 
so impossible, as to get a correct list of the state or a return of any company, 
regiment, or corps. As in the English service, there was a muster master 
general, with a number of assistants. It was the duty of this officer to ascer- 
tain and report every month the effective state of the Army, for the payment 
of the men and officers. This operation took place as follows: Each captain 
made a roll of his company, whether absent or present, after which he made 
oath before a superior officer tliat tliis return was correct, 'to the best of his 
knowledge and belief.' The muster master counted the men present, and 
the absent were marked by him for their pay upon the oath of the captain. 



144 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

1 am very far from supposing that an officer would voluntarily commit a 
fraud, but let us examine the state of the companies, and we shall see the 
correctness of such retiuTis. 

"The company had 12 men present; absent, i man as valet to the com- 
missary, 200 miles distant from the army for eighteen months; i man, valet 
to a quartermaster attached to the army of the north, for twelve months; 
4 in different hospitals for so many months; 2 as drivers of carriages; and so 
many more as bakers, blacksmiths, carpenters, even as coal porters, for years 
together, although the greater number were only engaged for nine months 
at the outset. But a man once on the roll of a company remained there ever- 
lastingly as forming part of the effective strength, except in case of death or desertion 
under the very eyes of the captain. 

"According to these rolls the strength of the Army for pay and provisions 
was calculated. The regimental returns furnished to the adjutant-general 
every week, for the information of the general in chief, as to the strength 
of the Army, were not much more exact. / am sure that at that time a general 
would have thought himself lucky to find a third of the men ready for action whom 
he found on paper. 

"The soldiers were scattered about in every direction. The Army was 
looked upon as a nursery for servants, and everyone deemed it his right to 
have a valet. Several thousand soldiers were employed in this way. We 
had more commissaries and quartermasters at that time than all tlie armies of 
Europe together. The most modest had only one servant, but others had 
two and even three. If the captains and colonels could give no account 
of their men, they could give still less an account of their arms, accouter- 
ments, clothing, ammunition, camp equipage, etc. Nobody kept an 
account but the commissaries, who furnished all the articles. A company 
which consisted, in May, of 50 men, was armed, clothed, and equipped in 
June. It then consisted of 30 men. In July it received 30 recruits, who 
were to be clothed, armed, and equipped; and not only the clothes but 
the arms were carried off by those who had completed their time of service. 

"Gen. Knox assured me that previous to the establishment of my depart- 
ment there never was a campaign in which the military magazines did not 
furnish from 5,000 to 8,000 muskets to replace those which were lost in the 
way I have described above. The loss of bayonets was still greater. The 
American soldier, never having used this arm, had no faith in it, and never 
used it but to roast his beefsteak and, indeed, often left it at home. This is 
not astonishing when it is considered that the majority of the States engaged 
their soldiers for from six to nine months. Each man who went away took 
his musket with him, and his successor received another from the public 
store. No captain kept a book. Accounts were never furnished nor required. 
As our Army is, thank God, little subject to desertion, I venture to say that 
during an entire campaign there have not been 20 muskets lost since my 
system came into force. It was the same with the pouches and other ac- 
couterments, and / do not believe that I exaggerate when I slate that my arrange- 
ments have saved the United States at least 800,000 French livres a year. 

***** 

"The arms at Valley Forge were in a horrible condition, covered with 
rust, half of them without bayonets, many from which a single shot could 



Proceedings in Congress 1 45 

not be fired. The pouches were quite as bad as the arms. A great many 
of the men had tin boxes instead of pouches, others had cow horns, 
and muskets, carbines, fowling pieces, and rifles were to be seen in the same 
company. 

"It is also necessary to remark that the changing of men, the reductions, 
and continual incorporations deprived the corps and regiments of all con- 
sistence. There was another evil still more subversive of order in an army — 
the captains and colonels did not consider their companies and regiments 
as corps confided to them by the United States for the care of the men as 
well as the preservation of order and discipline. The greater part of the cap- 
tains had no roll of their companies, and had no idea how many men they had 
under their orders. When I asked a colonel tlie strength of his regiment, 
the usual reply was, 'Something between two and three hundred men.' 
The colonels, and often the captains, granted leave of absence as they thought 
proper, and not only that, but permissions to retire from the service. The 
officers were not accustomed to remain with the troops when the Army was in camp; 
they lived in houses, often several miles distant. In winter quarters they 
nearly all went home, and there were often not more than four officers with 
a regiment. In the campaign of 1779 I found a Massachusetts regiment 
commanded by a lieutenant. The idea they had of their duty was that 
the officers had only to mount guard and put themselves at the head of their 
regiment or company when they were going into action. 

"The internal administration of a regiment and a company was a thing 
completely unknown. The quartermaster received arms, ammunition, 
and camp equipage for an entire brigade. The clothing and provisions 
were distributed in the same way, by brigades. A captain who did not 
know the number of men in his company could not know the number of 
the rations and other articles necessary for it. There were absolutely no 
regulations for the service of the camp and of tlie guards. Each colonel 
encamped his regiment according to his fancy. There were guards and 
pickets, and sometimes too many; but the officers did not know their duty, 
and in many instances did not understand the object of the guard. An 
infinity of internal guards for the commissaries of forage and provisions 
and for the quartermaster weakened the strength of the Army, the more so 
because these guards were never relieved and remained from one year to 
another. Their arms were lost, and they were all the servants of the com- 
missary, who often granted them leave not only for six months, but without 
limitation. It would be an endless task to enumerate the abuses which 
nearly ruined the Army. The above is a general view of the situation of 
the American Army as I found it at Valley Forge in the month of February, 
1778." 

Such was his report of the conditions as he found them. Wliat did he do? 
Let him tell: 

"Gen. Washington proposed to me to sketch out a plan for establishing 
an inspection in order to introduce a system and uniformity into all these 
matters. I sketched a variety of different plans, but it was exceedingly 
difficult to find an arrangement likely to succeed so as not to disgust the 
officers belonging to so many different States and to form a plan in con- 
84&17°— 14 10 



146 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

formity with the spirit of the Nation, and with the prejudices, however well 
or ill founded they might be, against foreigners. I was often obliged to 
abandon ideas I had formed; I was in want of information and advice, and 
I was fortunate enough to find a fewoflficersof merit, who gave me every satis- 
faction. They were Gen. Greene, Col. Laurens, and Col. Hamilton. Hav- 
ing drawn out my last plan, I communicated it to these three officers and 
made the alterations they deemed advisable before I presented it to the 
commander in chief. Time was precious, and I worked day and night. 
I finally proposed that an inspector general ought to be appointed at once, 
who should establish a imiform system for forming tlie troops, for exercising 
and maneuvering them, for their duties in camp and on the march, and for 
the duties of guards, pickets, and sentries. He should also define and point 
out the duties of every officer, from the colonel to the corporal; the manner 
in which returns or lists of the men, arms, accouterments, clothing, and 
camp equipage should be made, and appoint a uniform method of book- 
keeping, according to which the books of the regiments, of companies, as 
well as those of the adjutant, paymaster, quartermaster, and clothing master 
of each regiment, should be kept; that this inspector should review the troops 
every month, exercise and maneuver them, examine the returns and books, 
and make his written return to the commander in chief and to the board of 
war, etc.; that a colonel from each division should be chosen by the inspec- 
tor general, whose duty it shall be to see that the ordinances and arrange- 
ments which the inspector might think proper to establish, with the consent 
of the commander in chief, be duly executed and obeyed." 

Thus did Baron Steuben bring order out of chaos in the commissariat 
and quartermaster's departments. He also tiumed his great talents and 
ability to making soldiers out of the recruits. Again it will be well to let 
him tell his own story: 

"I commenced operations by drafting 120 men from the line, whom I 
formed into a guard for the general in chief. I made this guard my military 
school. / drilled them myself twice a day, and to remove that English prej- 
udice which some officers entertained, namely, that to drill a recruit was 
a sergeant's duty and beneath the station of an officer, I often took the mus- 
ket myself to show the men the manual exercise which I wished to introduce. 
All my inspectors were present at each drill. We marched together, 
wheeled, etc., and in a fortnight my company knew perfectly how to bear 
arms, had a military air, knew how to march, to form in column, deploy, 
and execute some little maneuvers with excellent precision. * * * 

" I paraded them in presence of all the officers of the Army, and gave 
them an opportunity of exhibiting all they knew. They formed in column, 
deploj'ed, attacked with the bayonet, changed front, etc. It afforded a 
new and agreeable sight for the young officers and soldiers. Having gained 
my point I dispersed my apostles, the inspectors, and my new doctrine was 
eagerly embraced. I lost no time in extending my operations on a large 
scale. I applied my system to battalions, afterwards to brigades, and in 
less than three weeks I executed maneuvers with an entire division in pres- 
ence of the commander in chief." 



Proceedings in Congress ■ 147 

In a letter to Gen. John Sullivan, dated at Valley Forge, April 8, 1778, 
A. Scamrael thus comments on the work of Baron Steuben and its 
influence: 

" Baron Steuben sets us a truly noble example. He has undertaken the 
discipline of the Army and shows himself to be a perfect master of it, not 
only in the grand maneuvers, but in the most minute details. To see a 
gentleman dignified with a lieutenant general's commission from the great 
Prussian monarch condescend with a grace peculiar to himself to take tmder 
his direction a squad of 10 or 12 men in the capacity of drill sergeant, com- 
mands tlie admiration of both officers and men, and causes them to improve 
exceedingly fast under his instructions." 

Speaking of his work at this time, William North, who was his aid-de- 
camp and therefore familiar with the subject, says in his biographical sketch 
of Steuben: 

" Certainly it was a brave attempt. Without understanding a word of the 
English language, to think of bringing men, bom free and joined together 
to preserve their freedom, into strict subjection; to obey without a word, 
a look, the mandates of a master — that master once their equal, or, possibly, 
beneath them. * * * Jt was a brave attempt, which nothing but virtue 
or high-raised hopes of glory could have supported. * * * 

"From the commencement of instruction, no time, no pains, no fatigue 
were thought too great in pursuit of this great object. Through the whole 
of each campaign, when troops were to maneuver, and that was almost every 
day, the baron rose at 3 o'clock. While his servant dressed his hair, he 
smoked a single pipe and drank one cup of coffee ; was on horseback at sun- 
rise, and, with or without his suite, galloped to the parade. There was no 
waiting for a tardy aid-de-camp, and those who followed wished they had 
not slept. Nor was there need of chiding; when duty was neglected or 
military etiquette infringed, the baron's look was quite sufficient." 

On the 30th of April, 1778, about six weeks after Steuben had com- 
menced his active duties, Washington made the following report to Con- 
gress: 

"The extensive ill consequences arising from a want of uniformity in 
discipline and maneuvers throughout the Army have long occasioned me 
to wish for the establishment of a well-organized inspectorship, and the con- 
currence of Congress in the same views has induced me to set on foot a tem- 
porary institution, which, from the success which has hitherto attended it, 
gives me the most flattering expectations. * * * 

"Baron Steuben's length of service in the first military school of Eu- 
rope, and his former rank, pointed him out as a person peculiarly qualified 
to be at the head of this department. This appeared the least exception- 
able way of introducing him into the Army, and the one that would give 
him the most ready opportunity of displaying his talent. I therefore pro- 
posed to him to tmdertake the office of Inspector General, which he agreed 
to do with the greatest cheerfulness, and has performed the duties of it with 
a zeal and intelligence equal to our wishes. * * * 

" I should do injustice if I were to be longer silent with regard to the 
merits of Baron SteubEN. His knowledge of his profession, added to the 



148 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

zeal which he has displayed since he began upon the functions of his office, 
leads me to consider him an acquisition to the service, and to recommend 
him to the attention of Congress." 

The "recommendation" of Washington was that StbubEN be made 
Inspector General of the American Army with the rank of major general. 
The recommendation of Washington was followed by Congress, and by act 
of May 5, 1778, Steuben was created a major general and assigned to the 
duties of Inspector General of tlae Army. 

There was opposition to SteubEN and his plans from many of tlie other 
general officers. They had not heretofore been subjected to instruction in 
the discipline and management of their own troops. Steuben himself 
says that he was severe and exacting. He felt it his duty to be so. Gradu- 
ally, however, this opposition died away, and the spirit of the German soldier 
took possession of officers and men alike, and the American Army was worked 
into shape to make its later achievements possible. 

As Inspector General, Steuben composed a book of regulations which 
was adopted and upon which the present Regulations of the American Army 
are based. 

Later, upon his urgent request, he was given a command, and served with 
credit. In 1779-80 he served in the South and achieved some distinction 
in the field. He was appointed to command in Virginia and remained there 
most of the time until June, 1781. It was there that he became involved 
over the loss of the magazines at Point of Fork, and was vindicated only 
after along investigation. After the Battle of Yorktown he was one of five 
generals whom Washington mentioned by name in the orders of the day for 
specially valuable services in tlie battle. 

The last act of Gen. Washington before resigning his commission as Com- 
mander in Chief of tlie American Army was to write an appreciative lettei 
to Baron Steuben, as follows: 

"Annapolis, December 2^, 17S3. 

"My Dear Baron: Although I have taken frequent opportunities, both 
in public and in private, of acknowledging yom- great zeal, attention, and 
abilities in performing the functions of your office, yet I wish to make use 
of this last moment of my public life to signify in the strongest terms my 
entire approbation of your conduct, and to express my sense of the obliga- 
tions the public is imder to you for your faithful and meritorious services. 

' ' I beg you will be convinced, my dear sir, tliat I should rejoice if it could 
ever be in my power to serve you more especially tlian by expressions of 
regard and affection; but, in tlie meantime, I am persuaded you will not 
be displeased with this farewell token of my sincere friendship and esteem 
for you. 

"This is the last letter I shall write while I continue in the service of my 
country. The hour of my resignation is fixed at 12 to-day, after which I 
shall become a private citizen, on the banks of the Potomac, where I shall 
be glad to embrace you and testify the great esteem and consideration with 
which I am, my dear baron, etc. " 



Proceedings in Congress 1 49 

On March 24, 1784, Steuben gave in his resignation, which Congress ac- 
cepted on April 15, with the following resolution: 

"Resolved, That the tlianks of the United States, in Congress assembled, 
be given to Baron Steuben for the great zeal and abilities he has discovered 
in the discharge of the several duties of his office; that a gold-hilted sword 
be presented to him as a mark of the high sense Congress entertain of his 
character and services, and that the superintendent of finance take order 
for procuring the same . ' ' 

Then it required seven years' active effort for the baron to secure a settle- 
ment for his services, which settlement he obtained only iJter it had been 
plainly shown that he had been reduced to the extremity of either starving 
here or begging in Europe. The compensation, when it was finally made, 
was so miserly in amount that the debts of StEubEN had absorbed all he 
received, and the man who had done so much to make the victory of the 
American forces possible was compelled to retire to a little farm given him 
by the State of New York. Here he built a log house of five rooms, and 
lived almost in poverty until his death in December, 1794. 

The historian, George Bancroft, says of Steuben: 

"The memory of Steuben has many claims upon the present generation. 
To tlie cause of oiu- coimtry in the times of its distress he, at the sacrifice 
of a secure career, devoted the experience and skill which had been the 
fruit of long years of service imder the greatest master of the art of war of 
that day. He rendered the inestimable benefit of introducing a better rule 
into the discipline of the American Army and stricter accountability in 
the distribution of military stores. He served under our flag with implicit 
fidelity, with indefatigable industry, and a courage that shrunk from no 
danger. His presence was important both in the camp and on the field of 
battle, from the huts of Valley Forge to Yorktown, and he remained with 
us till his death." 

As Baron Steuben rendered such great services to our Nation and received 
for them such small reward, the committee feels confident that Congress 
and the country will esteem it a privilege at this late day to rear to him this 
monument of its gratitude. 

JULY 1, 1902 

Mr. Brick. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent for the 
present consideration of the bill H. R. 16. 
The bill was read, as follows : 

A bill to provide for the erection of a bronze equestrian statue to the mem- 
ory of the late Brig. Gen. Count Casimir Pulaski at Washington, D. C. 

Mr. SuLzER. Mr. Speaker, I wish to be heard on this 
matter. I desire to say that I am veiy much in favor of 
the passage of this bill to erect in the city of Washington 
an equestrian statue to the memory of Casimir Pulaski, but 
I understood that the gentleman from Missouri [Mr. Bar- 



150 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

tholdt] intended to offer another bill as an amendment to 
this bill to build a similar statue to the memory of Baron 
Steuben. Both of these bills have been tmanimously 
reported by the Committee on the Library. I think they 
ought to go together. 

It will be fitting and proper. Steuben and Pulaski were 
great heroes and rendered invaluable service to the Ameri- 
can cause during the Revolutionary War. If the gentle- 
man from Missouri [Mr. Bartholdt] does not oflfer the amend- 
ment I shall, and I hope the gentleman from Indiana [Mr. 
Brick] will accept it. If he does, I believe they will pass 
together unanimously. I am as much in favor of one as I 
am of the other. The merits of each are about the same. 
They fought for the same cause, under similar circum- 
stances, and their monuments should go up together at the 
same time. 

Now, Mr. Speaker, I want to say a few words, and pay 
my humble tribute to the memory of both of these dis- 
tinguished heroes of our Revolutionary struggle. It is 
fitting that this should be done. They both deserve to 
have statues in this city. 

We have erected in Jackson Park, fronting the White 
House, a statue to Gen. Lafayette. That statue occupies 
a prominent comer. On the other comer we have just 
imveiled a magnificent statue to Gen. Rochambeau, and 
the two remaining comers of that park should be graced 
with the statues of Gen. Pulaski and Gen. Steuben. I 
hope this course will be followed. It would be, it seems 
to me, entirely proper and exceedingly consistent. 

Now, Mr. Speaker, I want to say a few words regarding 
Gen. Steuben and the bill to erect a statue to his mem- 
ory. A century and a quarter have passed since Baron 
Steuben, as he is more frequently called, came to America 
and offered his services to the struggling Colonists. 



Proceedings in Congress 1 5 1 

He was duly commissioned a general in the Revolution- 
ary Army and rendered incalculable service during that 
protracted and sanguinary struggle. American history does 
not give him the place he is entitled to and should occupy. 
Our Government has done practically nothing to testify its 
appreciation of the great work he performed in the days 
that tried men's souls. 

Perhaps this is because he did not assume the command- 
ing position of other more dashing Revolutionary generals. 
Steuben was a soldier. He drilled and disciplined the 
ragged Army of the Colonists. He worked behind the 
scenes, but the work he did was of the utmost importance 
a^jd made it possible for the Continental Army to cope 
with the disciplined and experienced soldiers of England 
and win American independence. 

The career of Gen. Steuben is a most interesting and 
absorbing history of an exciting life. He was born No- 
vember 15, 1730, at Magdeburg, a large Prussian fortress 
on the Elbe. At that time his father was captain in the 
Prussian engineers, and when he was called to service in 
the Crimea the son accompanied him. In 1740 he re- 
turned with his father to Prussia. In 1744, when scarcely 
14 years of age, during the War of the Austrian Succession, 
he was present at the siege of Prague. Thus from his 
earliest years Steuben was familiar with soldiers and 
things pertaining to war. 

In the Seven Years' War so greatly did he distinguish 
himself that he attracted the attention of Frederick the 
Great, who appointed Steuben aid-de-camp on his per- 
sonal staff. He was one of six talented yotmg officers 
whom the King personally instructed and initiated into 
the most abstruse branches of military art. The distinc- 
tion of being thus chosen is convincing proof of Steuben's 
merit and promise. With Frederick the Great neither high 
birth nor family influence had any weight in the selection 
of his military favorites; talent and fitness were the only 
recommendation to favor. 



152 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

In 1764, having resigned from the service of Prussia, 
Steuben accepted the office of grand marshal of the court 
of the Prince of Hohenzollem-Hechingen, the honorable 
and responsible duties of which he discharged with great 
credit for some 10 years. For some years the dignified 
tranquillity of court life furnished agreeable repose for him, 
tired as he was of the bivouac and the camp. But it 
could not satisfy his ardent and impetuous temperament 
or induce him to renounce the active duties from which 
for a season he had withdrawn. So he began to look 
around for a fitting opportunity to reenter active military 
service. 

He left Europe, where he had won hard-earned distinc- 
tion and fame — where if he was not opulent he had at 
least a sufficient competence — to serve a country engaged 
in an obstinate, exhausting, and hitherto unsuccessful war, 
where his prospects of professional advancement were by 
no means assured, and which offered no inducements of a 
pecuniary or material nature. Confident in himself, urged 
by high and generous motives, he determined to offer his 
sword to a people struggling for their rights and liberties. 
He made no conditions. He bargained for no reward. 

Arriving at Portsmouth, N. H., on the ist day of Decem- 
ber, 1777, Steuben, on December 6, wrote to the Con- 
tinental Congress a letter which is worthy of being quoted 
here in its entirety, as illustrating the spirit of the man. 
It was as follows: 

Honorable Gentlemen: The honor of serving a nation engaged in de- 
fending its rights and liberties was the motive that brought me to this con- 
tinent. I ask neither riches nor titles. I am come here from the remotest 
end of Germany, at my own expense, and have given up honorable and lucra- 
tive rank. I have made no condition with your deputies in France, nor 
shall I make any with you. My only ambition is to serve you as a volun- 
teer, to deserve tlie confidence of your General in Chief, and to follow him 
in all his operations as I have done during seven campaigns with the King 
of Prussia. 

Two and twenty years spent in such a school seems to give me a right of 
thinking myself among the number of experienced officers, and if I am pos- 
sessed of the acquirements in the art of war they will be much more prized by 
me if I can employ them in the service of a Republic such as I hope soon to 



Proceedings in Congress 153 

see America. I should willingly purchase at the expense of my blood the 
honor of having my name enrolled among those of the defenders of your lib- 
erty. Your gracious acceptance will be sufBcient for me, and I ask no other 
favor than to be received among your officers. I venture to hope that you 
will grant this my request, and that you will be so good as to send me yotir 
orders to Boston, where I shall await them and take suitable measures in 
accordance. 

In a letter to Washington, of the same date, he said: 

Sir: The inclosed copj' of a letter, the original of which I shall have the 
honor to present to Yoxu' Excellency, will inform you of tlie motives that 
brought me over to this land. I shall only add to it that the object of my 
greatest ambition is to render the country all the service in my power, and 
to deserve the title of a citizen of America by fighting for the cause of your 
liberty. If tlie distinguished ranks in which I have served in Europe should 
be an obstacle, I had rather serve under Your Excellency as a volunteer 
than to be an object of discontent to such deserving officers as have already 
distinguished themselves among you. 

Such being the sentiments I have always professed, I dare hope that the 
respectable Congress of the United States of America will accept my serv- 
ices. I could say., moreover, were it not for the fear of offending your mod- 
esty, that Your Excellency is the only person under whom, after having 
served the King of Prussia, I could wish to follow a professio- to the study 
of which I have wholly devoted myself. I intend to go to Boston in a few 
days, where I shall present my letters to Mr. Hancock, Member of Congress, 
and there I shall await Your Excellency's orders. 

At Boston Steuben was entertained by John Hancock, 
who had just retired from the presidency of the Conti- 
nental Congress, and here, after waiting five weeks, he 
received Washington's answer to his letter. It advised 
him to report at once to Congress, then sitting at York, 
Pa., since it belonged exclusively to that body to enter into 
negotiations with him. 

The fame of Steuben had preceded him to York and he 
was cordially received by Congress. A committee of three 
members was appointed to confer with him and ascertain 
the conditions on which he was willing to serve the United 
States, and whether he had made any arrangements with 
the American deputies in France. 

He said that he had made no agreement with them, nor 
was it his intention to accept any rank or pay; that he 
wished to join the Army as a volunteer, and to render such 
services as the Commander in Chief should think him capable 



1 54 Statue of Baron von Steuben 



of. The Continental Congress, through its president, Mr. 
Laurens, accepted his generous proposition and directed 
him to report to Gen. Washington at Valley Forge. Here 
Steuben began a work the value of which can scarcely be 
overestimated. 

He made the patriotic army a disciplined and effective 
force — the drilled corps that ultimately won the war for 
freedom. He worked incessantly to do this under the 
greatest difficulties and most adverse circumstances, but 
he succeeded, and the credit for it is all his own. Ameri- 
can history some day will do him full justice and give him 
a high place in our temple of fame. 

On the 30th of April, 1778, about six weeks after 
Steuben had commenced his active duties, Washington 
made the following report to Congress: 

The extensive ill consequences arising from a want of uniformity in dis- 
cipline and maneuvers throughout tlie Army have long occasioned me to 
wish for the establishment of a well-organized inspectorship, and the con- 
currence of Congress in the same views has induced me to set on foot a tem- 
porary institution, which, from the success which has hitherto attended it, 
gives me the most flattering expectations. 

Baron Steuben's length of service in the first military school of Europe 
and his former rank pointed him out as a person peculiarly qualified to be 
at the head of this department. This appeared the least exceptionable way 
of introducing him into the Army, and the one that would give him the 
most ready opportunity of displaying his talent. I therefore proposed to 
him to undertake the office of Inspector General, which he agreed to do with 
the greatest cheerfulness, and has performed the duties of it with a zeal and 
intelligence equal to our wishes. 

I should do injustice if I were to be longer silent with regard to the merits 
of Baron Steuben. His knowledge of his profession, added to the zeal 
which he has displayed since he began upon the functions of his office, leads 
me to consider him an acquisition to the service, and to recommend him to 
the attention of Congress. 

The " recommendation " of Washington was that Steuben 
be made Inspector General of the American Army with 
the rank of major general. The recommendation of 
Washington was followed by Congress, and by act of 
May 5, 1778, Steuben was created a major general and 
assigned to the duties of Inspector General of the Army. 



Proceedings in Congress 155 

Mr. Speaker, such in brief is the story of Gen. Steuben, 
one of the bravest and most invaluable officers of the 
Continental Army. He served throughout the Revolu- 
tionary War, and was of inestimable service to Washing- 
ton, who never failed to testify to his abilities and the 
great work he had done in the cause of American inde- 
pendence. 

When peace came and the United States had taken 
her place among the nations of the world, this battle- 
scarred veteran — grand old Gen. Steuben — who had been 
a tower of strength to George Washington from Valley 
Forge to Yorktown, quietly resigned his commission in 
the Army of the United States and retired to a log hut 
in the backwoods of the State of New York — away from 
the crowded marts of trade and the peopled thorough- 
fares of towns and cities — to live and die in peace. 

He rendered great service to this country in its most 
trying hour, in the darkest days of its struggle for inde- 
pendence, and in his name, in the name of all that he 
did and accomplished, in the name of the Continental 
Congress, in the name of honor and gratitude, I appeal 
to every Member of this House to vote for this bill to 
erect to his memory a fitting statue to commemorate his 
heroic deeds and to perpetuate forever his imperishable 
glory. [Applause.] 

Mr. Bartholdt. Mr. Speaker, I should like to ask unan- 
imous consent for the purpose of making a statement. 

The Speaker. The first thing is the unanimous con- 
sent to the request of the gentleman from Indiana. Is 
there objection? [After a pause.] The Chair hears none. 
Now, if there is no objection, the gentleman from Mis- 
souri can make a statement. 

There was no objection. 

Mr. Bartholdt. A few weeks ago, Mr. Speaker, the 
chairman of the Committee on the Library informed me 
that he had the consent of the Speaker to ask for the con- 
sideration of two bills, one providing for a monument to 



1 56 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

Gen. Pulaski and the other a monument to Gen. Steuben. 
I naturally supposed that the chairman of the committee 
would, when his time came, be recognized for the purpose, 
and that both bills would be passed. On this accoimt I 
did not ask in time for my name to be put on the list. 

The Speaker. The Chair will state that the gentleman 
is taking up time now which would enable the House to 
pass the bill. The Chair will also say that the Chair makes 
no promise to gentlemen until they are notified, and this 
matter is on the Speaker's list, and if the gentleman will 
allow the business to go on, we can reach it. 

Mr. BartholdT. Mr. Speaker, I want to say that the 
Speaker has acted with entire fairness in this matter. I 
only came here yesterday, and consequently there is now 
an absolute certainty that my request for recognition for 
the monument to Gen. Steuben will not be reached in 
this session. And yet I ask both sides of the House 
whether it would not be fair that both monuments should 
be ordered at this time. They were both great Revolu- 
tionary heroes, and France has been recognized in statues 
for Lafayette and Rochambeau, and the Poles are to be 
recognized in a monument for Pulaski, and I ask that 
these two bills be passed together. I ask unanimous con- 
sent, Mr. Speaker, that the bill providing for a monu- 
ment for Gen. Steuben be added to this pending bill as 
an amendment. 

The SpE.'UCER. The gentleman from Missouri asks unan- 
imous consent that the bill pending in the House making 
provision for a statue of Baron Steuben be added as an 
amendment to the bill now before the House. Is there 
objection? [After a pause.] The Chair hears none. The 
Clerk will report the amendment. 

The Clerk read as follows: 

Add to the pending bill the following: 

"That the sum of $50,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary, be, 
and is hereby, appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise 
appropriated, to be used for the erection of an equestrian statue to tlae mem- 
ory of Baron Steuben at Washington, District of Columbia, and for grading 



Proceedings in Congress 157 

and inclosing with stone curbing the site upon which said equestrian statue 
shall be erected, which sum shall be expended under the direction of the 
Secretary of War or such officer as he may designate: Provided, That the 
money hereby appropriated shall be dra^vn from time to time only as may 
be required, during the progress of the work and upon the requisition of 
the Secretary of War; And provided further, That a site and design for said 
monument shall be selected by the Secretary of War and the two chairmen, 
respectively, of the Senate and House Committees on the Library, and 
that no part of the sum hereby appropriated shall be expended until a 
suitable site at Washington, District of Columbia, for the erection of said 
equestrian statue shall be selected. " 

The Speaker. The proposed amendments have been 
adopted by unanimous consent of the House. 

Mr. Palmer. Mr. Speaker, we have at the Nation's 
Capital a statue of the gallant Frenchman, Lafayette, 
who volunteered and fought for independence, and lived. 

We have a statue of the brave Rochambeau, who volun- 
teered, fought for independence, and lived. 

We are to have, I hope, a statue of the accomplished 
German, Gen. Steuben, who organized and disciplined 
the ragged troops of Gen. Washington during that fateful 
winter at Valley Forge. 

We have been presented by the Emperor of Germany 
with a statue of Frederick the Great, which will have a 
place in the Nation's Capital as a perpetual memorial of 
his sympathy for the Colonies in their great struggle for 
liberty, and as an evidence of the harmony that still 
exists between the great German Empire and the great 
Republic. 

Why, then, should not the United States erect a statue 
to Gen. Pulaski, a gallant Pole, who voltmteered, fought, 
bled, and died in oiu" battle for liberty? The Continental 
Congress recognized his merit and voted him a monument. 
More than a century has rolled away and the obligation 
is unfulfilled. 

His country has been dismembered and Poland as a 
nation has been obliterated from the map of the world. 
It was a crime unexampled in the history of nations, but 
the Poles and Lithuanians still live, and they have naturally 



158 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

turned, millions of them, to the United States as the only 
comitry where their aspirations for freedom can be satis- 
fied. They came to stay, to cast in their lot with us, 
and to help build up the great Repubhc. They acquire 
land, build homes, educate their children, organize so- 
cieties, build churches, and in every way adapt them- 
selves to our civilization. Their children excel in their 
studies and will stand a fair chance in their contests for 
success. 

There are those who believe that the Slav is the coming 
man, destined to prevail over the Latin, Anglo-Saxon, 
and Celt. The Poles and Lithuanians who come here 
are, in the main, good, frugal, and thrifty citizens of the 
United States. Their just pride would be gratified by 
doing this honor to their brave countryman. Their at- 
tachment to the land of their adoption would be stimu- 
lated and increased by such an act of recognition. 

Finally, this coimtry is too big and too generous and 
too just not to do this act of simple justice to the memory 
of Gen. Pulaski, who gave his life that liberty might live. 

Mr. Brick. I ask that general leave to print on this 
subject alone be given for five days. 

There was no objection. 

Mr. Hemenway subsequently said: 

Mr. Chairman, as the representative of a large number 
of German-American citizens, I am pleased to know that 
the great service of Baron Steuben in the struggle of the 
American Colonies for independence is to be recognized by 
the erection of an equestrian statue to his memory at the 
city of Washington. 

The country is indebted to the energy of Hon. Richard 
Bartholdt for securing the passage of the bill providing 
for this statue through the House of Representatives, 
as it is indebted to him for his eminent service as a Mem- 
ber of the Congress of the United States for many years. 



Proceedings in Congress 1 59 

In the report submitted to Congress, Representative 
Bartholdt says: 

There is reason, perhaps, for the failure of historians to accord a fitting 
position to Steuben in the record of the struggle of the American Colonies 
for independence, however regrettable the fact may be to the impartial 
student of tlie man's worth and work. Readers of history are attracted 
to the part played by men who lead battalions in stirring charges, to the 
heroes in action on tlie battle fields, just as the patrons of a theater applaud 
the star, unmindful, if not ignorant, of the importance of the work of the 
stage manager, who has furnished the settings for the play, arranged the 
scenic effects, and made the actor's triumph possible. 

Steuben was the stage manager, as it were, in the presentation of the 
Revolutionary War drama, and his work has been forgotten in the ap- 
plause and admiration of the incomparable genius of Washington and the 
dash and daring of other leaders in the field whose efforts resulted in 
brilliant feats of arms and the achievement of American independence. 
Baron Stei'BEN worked behind the scenes. He took over the ragged 
tatterdemalions of Washington at Valley Forge and in the face of almost 
insuperable obstacles worked them into an army that did yeoman service 
on so many fields later. It was Steuben who took in charge the raw ma- 
terial, the tmdisciplined recruits, and developed an army which for effi- 
ciency has challenged the admiration of the world. 

It is not, however, my intention to go into the history 
of the life of Baron Steuben, but only to refer briefly to 
same. 

He left Europe, where he had won hard-earned distinc- 
tion and fame and where he had a sufficient competence, 
and came to this country and immediately addressed the 
following communication to Congress : 

Honorable Gentlemen: The honor of serving a nation engaged in 
defending its rights and liberties was the motive that brought me to this 
continent. I ask neither riches nor titles. I am come here from the remotest 
end of Germany, at my own expense, and have given up honorable and 
lucrative rank. I have made no condition with your deputies in France, 
nor shall I make any with you. My only ambition is to serve you as a vol- 
unteer, to deserve the confidence of your general in chief, and to follow 
him in all his operations, as I have done diu-ing seven campaigns with the 
King of Prussia. Two and twenty years spent in such a school seem to give 
me a right of thinking myself among the number of experienced officers, 
and if I am possessed of the acquirements in the art of war they will be much 
more prized by me if I can employ them in the service of a republic such as I 
hope to soon see America. I should willingly purchase at the expense of my 
blood the honor of having my name enrolled among those of the defenders 
of your liberty. Your gracious acceptance will be sufficient for me, and I 



i6o Statue of Baron von Steuben 

ask no other favor than to be received among your officers. I venture to hope 
that you ■will grant this, my request, and that you will be so good as to send 
me your orders to Boston, where I shall await them and take suitable measures 
in accordance. 

He also addressed to Gen. Washington the following: 

Sir: The inclosed copy of a letter, the original of which I shall have the 
honor to present to Your Excellency, will inform you of the motives that 
brought me over to this land. I shall only add to it that the object of my 
greatest ambition is to render the country all the service in my power, and 
to deserve the title of a citizen of America by fighting for the cause of your 
liberty. If the distinguished ranks in which I have served in Europe should 
be an obstacle, I had rather serve xmder Yoiu" Excellency as a volunteer than 
to be an object of discontent to such deserving officers as have already dis- 
tinguished themselves among you. Such being the sentiments I have always 
professed, I dare hope that the respectable Congress of the United States of 
America will accept my services. I could say, moreover, were it not for the 
fear of offending your modesty, that Your Excellency is the only person under 
whom, after having served the King of Prussia, I could wish to follow a pro- 
fession to the study of which I have wholly devoted myself. I intend to go 
to Boston in a few days, where I shall present my letters to Mr. Hancock, 
Member of Congress, and there I shall await Yoiu- Excellency's orders. 

At Boston, Steuben was entertained by John Hancock, 
who had just retired from the Presidency of the Congress, 
and here, after waiting five weeks, he received Washington's 
answer to his letter. It advised him to report at once to 
Congress, then sitting at York, Pa., since it belonged 
exclusively to that body to enter into negotiations with 
him. 

Congress, through its President, Mr. Laurens, accepted 
his generous proposition and directed him to report to 
Gen. Washington at Valley Forge. Here Steuben began 
a work the value of which can scarcely be overestimated. 

In a letter to Gen. John Sullivan, dated at Valley Forge, 
April 8, 1778, A. Scammel thus comments on the work of 
Baron Steuben and its influence: 

Baron StBuben sets us a truly noble example. He has undertaken the 
discipline of the Army, and shows himself to be a perfect master of it, not 
only in the grand maneuvers, but in the most minute details. To see a 
gentleman dignified with a lieutenant general's commission from the great 
Prussian monarch condescend with a grace peculiar to himself to take luider 
his direction a squad of 10 or 12 men in the capacity of drill sergeant, com- 
mands the admiration of both officers and men and causes them to improve 
exceedingly fast tmder his instructions. 



Proceedings in Congress i6i 

Speaking of his work at this time, WilHam North, who 
was his aid-de-camp, and therefore famihar with the sub- 
ject, says in his biographical sketch of Steuben: 

Certainly it was a brave attempt. Without understanding a word of the 
English language, to think of bringing men, bom free and joined together 
to preserve their freedom, into strict subjection, to obey without a word, 
a look, the mandates of a master — that master once their equal, or, possibly, 
beneath them. * * * it was a brave attempt which nothing but vir- 
tue or high-raised hopes of glory could have supported. * * * 

From the commencement of instruction no time, no pains, no fatigue 
were thought too great in pursuit of this great object. Through the whole 
of each campaign, when troops were to maneuver, and that was almost 
every day, the baron rose at 3 o'clock. While his servant dressed his hair, 
he smoked a single pipe and drank one cup of coffee; was on horseback at 
sunrise, and, with or without his suite, galloped to the parade. There was 
no waiting for a tardy aid-de-camp, and those who followed wished they 
had not slept. Nor was there need of chiding; when duty was neglected 
or military etiquette infringed, the baron's look was qxiite sufficient. 

On the 30th of April, 1778, about six weeks after Steu- 
ben had commenced his active duties, Washington made 
the following report to Congress: 

The extensive ill consequences arising from a want of uniformity in disci- 
pline and maneuvers throughout the Army have long occasioned me to 
wish for the establishment of a well-organized inspectorship, and the con- 
cmrence of Congress in the same views has induced me to set on foot a tem- 
porary institution, which, from the success which has hitherto attended 
it, gives me the most flattering expectations. * * * 

Baron Steuben's length of service in the first military school of Eiu'ope, 
and his former rank, pointed him out as a person peculiarly qualified to be 
at the head of this department. This appeared the least exceptionable 
way of introducing him into the Army, and the one that would give him 
the most ready opportunity of displaying his talent. I therefore proposed 
to him to undertake the office of Inspector General, which he agreed to do 
with the greatest cheerfulness, and has performed the duties of it with a 
zeal and intelligence equal to our wishes. * * * 

I should do injustice if I were to be longer silent with regard to the 
merits of Baron SteubEN. His knowledge of his profession, added to the 
zeal which he has displayed since he began upon the functions of his office, 
leads me to consider him an acquisition to the service, and to recommend 
him to the attention of Congress. 

The "recommendation" of Washington was that Steu- 
ben be made Inspector General of the American Army 
with the rank of major general. The recommendation 
of Washington was followed by Congress, and by act of 

84647°— 14 11 



1 62 Statiie of Baron von Steuben 

May 5, 1778, Steuben was created a major general and 
assigned to the duties of Inspector General of the Army. 

The last act of Gen. Washington before resigning his 
commission as Commander in Chief of the American Army 
was to write an appreciative letter to Baron Steuben, 
as follows : 

Annapous, December 2j, l/8j. 

My Dear Baron; Although I have taken frequent opportunities, both 
in public and in private, of acknowledging your great zeal, attention, and 
abilities in performing the functions of your office, yet I wish to make use of 
this last moment of my public life to signify in the strongest terms my entire 
approbation of your conduct, and to express my sense of the obligations the 
public is under to you for your faithful and meritorious service. 

I beg you will be convinced, my dear sir, that I should rejoice if it could 
ever be in my power to serve you more especially than by expressions of 
regard and affection; but, in the meantime, I am persuaded you will not be 
displeased with this farewell token of my sincere friendship and esteem for you. 

This is the last letter I shall write while I continue in the service of my 
country. The hour of my resignation is fixed at 12 to-day, after which I 
shall become a private citizen on the banks of the Potomac, where I shall 
be glad to embrace you and testify the great esteem and consideration with 
which I am, my dear baron, etc. 

On March 24, 1784, Steuben gave in his resignation 
which Congress accepted on April 15, with the following 
resolution : 

Resolved, That the thanks of the United States, in Congress assembled, 
be given to Baron Steuben for the great zeal and abilities he has discovered 
in the discharge of the several duties of his office; that a gold-hilted sword 
be presented to him, as a mark of the high sense Congress entertain of his 
character and service, and that the superintendent of finance take order 
for procimng the same. 

Baron Steuben was only one of that sturdy, honest type 
of Germans who left the Fatherland to become American 
citizens. And loyal citizens they have been both in time 
of war and in time of peace. 

They have responded to the call of their country in 
three wars — the Revolutionary War, the great War between 
the States, and the Spanish- American War — and in each 
of these wars their names have been recorded on the roll 
of honor of their country. 



Proceedings in Congress 163 

And in time of peace they have been successful in every 
avocation in life — in the professions, on the farm, in the 
factory, at the compass — and they have delighted the 
world with their music. 

And in politics, not wedded to any particular party but 
always conservative and voting for what they believe is to 
the interest of the Government, they have in the past by 
their votes prevented radical changes in legislation and 
Government policies that would have resulted in bringing 
distress to their country. 

To the German-American citizens this country of ours is 
greatly indebted for its wonderful progress and for the 
fact that this day our beloved flag floats over the most 
prosperous and happy people on earth. 

SENATE 

JULY 1, 1902 

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. 
W. J. Browning, its Chief Clerk, announced that the House 
had passed the following bill, in which it requested the 
concurrence of the Senate: 

A bill (H. R. 16) to provide for the erection at Washington, D. C, of bronze 
equestrian statues of the late Brig. Gen. Count Casimir Pulaski and Baron 
Steuben. 

I^S 5lt !F lis »F 

The bill (H. R. 16) to provide for the erection at Wash- 
ington, D. C, of bronze equestrian statues to the memory 
of the late Brig. Gen. Count Casimir Pulaski and Baron 
Steuben was read twice by its title and referred to the 
Committee on the Library. 



FIFTY-SEVENTH CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION 

[Extracts from the Congressional Record] 

SENATE 

FEBRUARY 6, 1903 

Mr. Wetmore, from the Committee on the Library, to 
whom was referred the bill (H. R. i6) to provide for the 
erection at Washington, D. C, of bronze equestrian statues 
to the memory of the late Brig. Gen. Count Casimir Pu- 
laski and Baron Steuben, reported it with amendments, 
and submitted a report thereon. 

The report (No. 2876) follows: 

[Senate Report No. 2876, Fifty-seventh Congress, second session] 

Equestrian Statues to Memory of Count Pitlaski and Baron 

Steuben 

February 6, 1903. — Ordered to be printed 

Mr. Wetmore, from the Committee on the Library, submitted the follow- 
ing report (to accompany H. R. 16): 

The Committee on the Librar)', to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 16) 
to provide for the erection at Washington, D. C, of bronze equestrian stat- 
ues to the memorj' of the late Brig. Gen. Count Casimir Pulaski and Baron 
Steuben, having had the same under consideration, beg leave to report it 
back with the following amendments: 

Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the following: 

"That there shall be erected in the city of Washington, District of Colum- 
bia, a statue of Brigadier General Coimt Casimir Pulaski, of Poland, who 
came to America and, after declaring his intention to become a citizen of 
the Republic, offered his sword to Washington, imder whose leadership in 
the great struggle for American independence he lost his life at the siege 
of Savannah, Georgia, October eleventh, seventeen btmdred and seventy- 
nine; and for the purpose of procuring and erecting said statue with a suit- 
able pedestal, and for tlie preparation of a site, tlie sum of fifty thousand 
dollars, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby appropriated, 
out of any money in the Treasiuy not otherwise appropriated, the same to 
be expended imder the direction of a commission to be composed of the 
Secretary of War, the chairman of the Committee on the Library of the 
Senate, the chairman of the Committee on the Library of the House of Rep- 
resentatives of the Fifty-seventh Congress, and tlie president of the Pulaski 
Monument Polish central committee. 
164 



Proceedings in Congress 1 65 

"Sbc. 2. That there shall be erected in the city of Washington, District 
of Columbia, a statue of Frederick William Augustus Henry Ferdi- 
nand, Baron von Steuben, major general and inspector general in the 
Continental Army; and for the purpose of procuring and erecting said 
statue with a suitable pedestal, and for the preparation of a site, the sum 
of fifty thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby 
appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, 
the same to be expended imder tlie direction of a commission to be com- 
posed of the Secretary of War, the chairman of the Committee on the 
Library of the Senate, and the chairman of the Committee on the Library 
of the House of Representatives of tlie Fifty-seventh Congress. 

"Sec. 3. That the commissions herein created are empowered, respec- 
tively, to select sites for the statues authorized by this act on groimd belong- 
ing to the Government: Provided, That said statues shall not be located in 
the groxmds of the Capitol or Library of Congress." 

Amend tlie title so as to read: "An act to provide for the erection at 
Washington, District of Columbia, of statues to the memory of Brigadier 
General Coxmt Pulaski and Major General Baron voN Steuben, of the 
Continental Army." 

The propositions for the erection of statues of Coimt Pulaski and Baron 
Steuben were introduced as separate measures in the House of Repre- 
sentatives, and each was reported favorably from committee. When under 
consideration in the House they were consolidated and came to the Senate 
as one act. The House reports accompanying the two bills are reprinted 
herewith. 

* # * « » 

Note. — House Report No. 2497, Fifty-seventh Congress, first session, 
included as a part of Senate Report No. 2876, is omitted here. It will be 
found on pages 137-149. 

FEBRUARY 23, 1903 

Mr. Fairbanks. I ask unanimous consent for the pres- 
ent consideration of the bill (H. R. i6) to provide for the 
erection at Washington, D. C, of bronze equestrian stat- 
ues to the memory of the late Brig. Gen. Count Casimir 
Pulaski and Baron Steuben. 

Mr. President, I regret that the pressure of the public 
business is so great that I am unable to speak at length 
upon this bill. I am fully aware, however, that it needs 
no advocacy, for the American people cherish the memory 
of Brig. Gen. Count Casimir Pulaski, the great PoHsh 
patriot who rendered such illustrious service in the sub- 
hme cause of American independence. 



i66 Stattie of Baron von Steuben 



Nor is any word necessary to secure the passage of the 
bill to erect a statue in honor of the memory of Baron 
VON Steuben, who wrote with his sword a brilliant record 
in American history. 

It is a happy circumstance that both Pulaski and 
Steuben are associated in the bill, consideration of which 
I now ask. They possessed the entire confidence of 
George Washington, and gave powerful aid to the ex- 
alted cause of freedom upon the western continent. 

We are a grateful people, and we will erect here in the 
Nation's Capital monuments which shall fitly commem- 
orate the services of Coimt Pulaski and Baron von 
Steuben, and which shall stand forever in the shadow 
of the majestic shaft erected to the memory of their 
great commander, George Washington. 

I hope, Mr. President, that the bill may be given pres- 
ent consideration. 

There being no objection, the Senate, as in Committee 
of the Whole, proceeded to consider the bill, which had 
been reported from the Committee on the Library with 
an amendment to strike out all after the enacting clause 
and insert: 

That there shall be erected in the city of Washington, District of Colum- 
bia, a statue of Brig. Gen. Count Casimir Pulaski, of Poland, who came to 
America and, after declaring his intention to become a citizen of the Re- 
public, offered his sword to Washington, under whose leadership in the 
great struggle for American independence he lost his life at the siege of 
Savannah, Ga., October ii, 1779; and for the purpose of procuring and 
erecting said statue, with a suitable pedestal, and for the preparation of a 
site, the sum of $50,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby 
appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, 
the same to be expended under the direction of a commission to be com- 
posed of the Secretary of War, the chairman of the Committee on the 
Library of the Senate, the chairman of the Committee on the Library of 
the House of Representatives of the Fifty-seventh Congress, and the presi- 
dent of the Pulaski Monument Polish central committee. 

Sec. 2. That there shall be erected in tlie city of Washington, District of 
Columbia, a statue of Frederick William Augustus Henry Ferdinand, 
Baron voN Steuben, major general and inspector general in the Continental 
Army ; and for the purpose of procuring and erecting said statue, with a suit- 



Proceedings in Congress 167 

able pedestal, and for the preparation of a site, the sum of $50,000, or so 
much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby appropriated, out of any money 
in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, tlic same to be expended under 
the direction of a commission to be composed of the Secretary of War, the 
chairman of the Committee on tlie Library of the Senate, and the chair- 
man of the Committee on the Library of the House of Representatives of 
the Fifty-seventh Congress. 

Sec. 3. That the commissions herein created are empowered, respec- 
tively, to select sites for the statues authorized by this act on ground be- 
longing to the Government: Provided, That said statues shall not be located 
in the grounds of the Capitol or Library of Congress. 

The amendment was agreed to. 

The bill was reported to the Senate as amended, and 
the amendment was concurred in. 

The amendment was ordered to be engrossed, and the 
bill to be read a third time. 

The bill was read the third time, and passed. 

The title was amended so as to read: 

A bill to provide for the erection at Washington, D. C, of statues to the 
memory of Brigadier General Count Pulaski and Major General Baron von 
Steuben, of the Continental Army. 

HOUSE 

FEBRUARY 23, 1903 

A message from the Senate, by Mr. Parkinson, its read- 
ing clerk, annotmced that the Senate had passed a bill 
of the following title: 

H. R. 16. An act to provide for the erection, at Washington, D. C, of 
bronze equestrian statues to the memory of the late Brig. Gen. Count Casi- 
mir Pulaski and Baron Steuben. 

***** 

The Speaker laid before the House the Senate amend- 
ment to the bill (H. R. 16) to provide for the erection at 
Washington, D. C, of bronze equestrian statues to the 
memory of the late Brig. Gen. Coimt Casimir Pulaski and 
Baron Steuben. 

Mr. McCleary. I move that the House agree to the 
Senate amendment. 



1 68 Statue of Baron von Steubsn 

Mr. Burton. Mr. Speaker, I should like to inquire 
what the Senate amendment is. I understand that it 
moves to strike out all after the enacting clause, and we 
should like to know more about it. 

The Speaker. The amendment will be read, if de- 
sired. 

The Clerk read as follows: 

Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert: 

"That there shall be erected in the cit)' of Washington, D. C, a statue 
of Brig. Gen. Gjunt Casimir Pulaski, of Poland, who came to America 
and, after declaring his intention to become a citizen of the Republic, 
offered his sword to Washington, under whose leadership in the great strug- 
gle for American independence he lost his life at the siege of Savaimah, 
Ga., October ii, 1779; and for the purpose of procuring and erecting said 
statue with a suitable pedestal, and for the preparation of a site, the sum 
of $50,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby appropri- 
ated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the 
same to be expended under the direction of a commission to be composed 
of the Secretary of War, the chairman of the Committee on the Library 
of the Senate, the chairman of the Committee on the Library' of the House 
of Representatives of the Fifty-seventh Congress, and the president of the 
Pulaski Monument Polish central committee. 

"Sec. 2. That there shall be erected in the city of Washington, D. C, 
a statue of Frederick William Augustus Henry Ferdinand, Baron 
VON Steuben, major general and inspector general in the Continental 
Army; and for the purpose of procuring and erecting said statue with a 
suitable pedestal, and for the preparation of a site, the sum of $50,000, or 
so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby appropriated, out of any 
money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the same to be ex- 
pended under the direction of a commission to be composed of the Secre- 
tary of War, the chairman of the Committee on the Library of the Sen- 
ate, and the chairman of the Committee on the Library of the House of 
Representatives of the Fifty-seventh Congress. 

"Sec. 3. That the commissions herein created are empowered, respec- 
tively, to select sites for the statues authorized by this act on groimd be- 
longing to the Government: Provided, That said statues shall not be lo- 
cated in the grounds of the Capitol or Library of Congress." 

Amend the title so as to read: 

"An act to provide for the erection at Washington, D. C, of statues to 
the memory of Brigadier General Count Pulaski and Major General Baron 
VON Steuben, of the Continental Army." 



Proceedings in Congress 169 

The Speaker. The question is on the motion of the 
gentleman from Minnesota that the House concur in the 
Senate amendment. 

The motion was agreed to. 

FEBRUARY 24, 1903 

Mr. Wachter, from the Committee on Enrolled Bills, 
reported that they had examined and found truly enrolled 
a bill of the following title, when the Speaker signed the 
same: 

H. R. i6. An act to provide for the erection at Washington, D. C, of 
statues to the memory of Brig. Gen. Count Pulaski and Maj. Gen. Baron 
VON Steuben, of the Continental Army. 

SENATE 

FEBRUARY 25, 1903 

A message from the House of Representatives by Mr. 
W. J. Browning, its Chief Clerk, announced that the Speaker 
of the House had signed the following enrolled bill, and 
it was thereupon signed by the President pro tempore: 

A bill (H. R. i6) to provide for the erection at Washington, D. C, of statues 
to the memory of Brig. Gen. Count Pulaski and Maj. Gen. Baron voN STEtrsEN, 
of the Continental Army. 

HOUSE 
FEBRUARY 26, 1903 

Mr. Wachter, from the Committee on Enrolled Bills, 
reported that they had presented this day to the Presi- 
dent of the United States for his approval a bill of the 
following title: 

H. R. i6. An act to provide for the erection at Washington, D. C, of statues 
to the memory of Brig. Gen. Count Pulaski and Maj. Gen. Baron voN Steuben, 
of the Continental Army. 

FEBRUARY 28, 1903 

Mr. Barnes, one of the secretaries of the President of 
the United States, informed the House that the President 



1 70 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

had approved and signed a bill of the following title on 
February 27, 1903: 

H. R. 16. An act to provide for the erection at Washington. D. C, of statues 
to the memorj- of Brig. Gen, Count Pulaski and Maj. Gen. Baron von SteubEN, 
of the Continental Army. 

The act (Public, No. 120) follows: 

[Public, No. 120] 

AN ACT To provide for the erection at Washington. District of Columbia, of statues to 
the memory of Brigadier General Count Pulaski and Major General Baron VON STEUBEN, 
of the Continental Army 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States 
of America in Congress assembled. That there shall be erected in the city 
of Washington, District of Columbia, a statue of Brigadier General Count 
Casimir Pulaski, of Poland, who came to America and, after declaring his 
intention to become a citizen of the Republic, offered his sword to Wash- 
ington, under whose leadership in the great struggle for American inde- 
pendence he lost his life at tlie siege of Savannah, Georgia, October eleventh, 
seventeen himdrcd and seventy-nine; and for the purpose of procuring and 
erecting said statue with a suitable pedestal, and for the preparation of a 
site, the sum of fifty thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may be neces- 
sary, is hereby appropriated out of any money in the Treasiny not other- 
wise appropriated, the same to be expended under the direction of a com- 
mission to be composed of the Secretary of War, the chairman of the Com- 
mittee on the Library of tlie Senate, the chairman of the Committee on the 
Library of the House of Representatives of the Fifty-seventh Congress, 
and the president of the Pulaski Monument Polish central committee. 

Sec. 2. That there shall be erected in the city of Washington, District 
of Columbia, a statue of Frederick William Augustus Henry Ferdinand, 
Baron von Steuben, major general and inspector general in the Continental 
Army; and for tlie purpose of producing and erecting said statue with a suit- 
able pedestal, and for the preparation of a site, the sum of fifty thousand 
dollars, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby appropriated 
out of any money in the Treasmy not otherwise appropriated, the same to 
be expended under the direction of a commission to be composed of the 
Secretary of War, the chairman of the Committee on the Library of the Sen- 
ate, and tlie chairman of the Committee on tlie Library of the House of Rep- 
resentatives of the Fifty-seventh Congress. 

Sec. 3. That the commissions herein created are empowered, respectively, 
to select sites for the statues authorized by this Act on ground belonging 
to tlie Government: Provided, That said statues shall not be located in the 
grounds of tlie Capitol or Library of Congress. 

Approved, February 27, 1903. 



SIXTY-FIRST CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION 

[Extracts from the Congressional Record] 

HOUSE 

DECEMBER 21, 1909 

A bill (H. R. 16222) for the erection of a replica of the 
statue of Gen. von Steuben, introduced by Mr. Bar- 
tholdt, of Missouri, and referred to the Committee on 
the Library. 

The bill reads as follows: 

[H. R. 16222, Sixty-first Congress, second session] 

In the House of Representatives 

December 21, 1909 

Mr. Bartholdt introduced the following bill; which was referred to the 
Committee on the Library and ordered to be printed 

A BILL For the erection of a replica of the statue of General von Stbuben 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States 
of America in Congress assembled. That the expenditure of the sum of five 
thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may be necessary, be, and the same 
is hereby, authorized to be made under the direction of the Secretary of 
State and the Joint Committee on the Library for the erection of a bronze 
replica of the statue of General voN Steuben authorized to be erected in 
Washington; said replica to be presented to His Majesty the German Em- 
peror and the German Nation in return for the statue of Frederick the Great, 
presented by the Emperor to the people of the United States. 

JANUARY 12, 1910 

Mr. McCall, from the Committee on the Library, to 
which was referred the bill of the House (H. R. 16222) 
for the erection of a replica of the statue of Gen. von 
Steuben, reported the same with amendment, accom- 
panied by a report (No. 128), which said bill and report 
were referred to the Committee of the Whole House on 
the state of the Union. 

The report (No. 128) follows: 

171 



172 Statiie of Baron von Steuben 

[House Report No. 128, Sixty-firet Congress, second session] 

Replica of Statue of Gen. von Steuben 

January 12, 1910. — Committed to the Committee of the Whole House 
on the state of the Union and ordered to be printed 

Mr. McCall, from the Committee on the Library, submitted the follow- 
ing report (to accompany H. R. 16222): 

The Committee on the Library, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 
16222) for the erection of a replica of the statue of Gen. von Steuben, 
have considered the same and report that it be amended, and as amended 
that it do pass. 

The gift of the German Emperor to the United States of the statue of 
Frederick the Great stands in the grounds of the War College in the city 
of Washington, and it is in recognition of this gift that it is proposed 
to give to the Emperor of Germany and to the German Nation the replica of 
the statue of Gen. von Steuben authorized to be erected in Washington. 

Baron voN Steuben was a German nobleman and a close friend of 
Frederick the Great, and it was with the cordial approval of Frederick 
that Von Steuben came to America and tendered his services to Gen. 
Washington as aid-de-camp and drillmaster of the American armies. 

Amend by striking out in line 10 the words "in return for" and in- 
sert in lieu thereof the words "in recognition of the gift of." 

JANUARY 17, 1910 

The following executive communication was taken 
from the Speaker's table, referred to the Committee on 
Appropriations, and ordered printed: 

A letter from the Acting Secretary of the Treasury, 
transmitting a copy of a letter from the Secretary of 
War submitting an estimate of appropriation for un- 
veiling and dedicating a statue of Gen. Baron von 
Steuben (H. Doc. No. 545). 

The document reads as follows: 

[House Document No. 54s, Sixty-first Congress, second session] 

Statue op Gen. Baron von Steuben 
Letter from the Acting Secretary of the Treasury, transmitting a copy of 
a communication from the Secretary of War submitting an estimate of 
appropriation for imveiling and dedicating a statue of Gen. Baron von 
Steuben 

January 17, igio. — Referred to the Committee on Appropriations and 
ordered to be printed 

Treasury Department, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, January 75, igio. 
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith, for the consideration of 
Congress, copy of a communication from the Secretary of War, of the 14th 



Proceedings in Congress 173 

instant, submitting an estimate of appropriation in the sum of $3,000, for 
unveiUng and dedicating the statue of Gen. Baron vON SteubEN and for 
each and every purpose connected therewith. 
Respectfully, 

Charles D. Hilles, 

Acting Secretary. 
The Speaker of the House op Representatives. 



War Department, 
Washington, January i^, jgio. 
Sir: I have the honor to forward herewith, for transmission to Congress, 
an estimate of an appropriation of $3,000 required by the Von Steuben 
Statue Commission for expenses incident to unveiling and dedicating the 
statue of Gen. Baron voN Steuben in the city of Washington, which the 
sculptor expects will be erected and completed by the autumn of 1910. 
Very respectfully, 

J. M. Dickinson, 

Secretary of War. 
The Secretary op the Treasury. 



Estimates of appropriations required for the service of the fiscal year ending 
Jwne JO, IQII, by the Von Steuben Statue Commission 

WAR DEPARTMENT — BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS IN AND AROUND 
WASHINGTON 

Unveiling statue of Gen. Baron von Steuben: 

For imveiling and dedicating the statue of Gen. Baron von 
Steuben and for each and every piupose connected there- 
with (submitted) $3, 000 

Note. — By an act of Congress approved February 27, 1903 (32 Stats., 
pt. I, p. 908), Congress appropriated the sum of $50,000 for prociu-ing and 
erecting in the city of Washington a statue of Gen. Baron von Steuben, 
with a suitable pedestal, and for the preparation of a site, the money to be 
expended under the direction of a commission to be composed of the Sec- 
retary of War, the chairman of the Committee on the Library of the 
Senate, and the chairman of the Committee on the Library of the House 
of Representatives of the Fifty-seventh Congress. 

Under the wording of the act no portion of the appropriation can be 
used to defray the expense of unveiling the monument; moreover, the 
entire amount will probably be needed for the purposes specified by the 
act. It is necessary, tlierefore, that an additional appropriation be pro- 
vided for the ceremonies incident to the dedication of the monument, 
which the sculptor expects will be erected and completed by the autumn 
of 19 10. 

The commission was not made aware of the necessity for the appropria- 
tion requested in time to include an estimate for it in the Book of Esti- 
mates of Appropriations for 1911. (/. M. Dickinson, Secretary of War, 
chairman Von Steuben Statue Commission.) 



1 74 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

FEBRUARY 9, 1910 

Mr. McCall. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Com- 
mittee on the Library, I call up the bill (H. R. 16222) 
for the erection of a replica of the statue of Gen. von 
Steuben, which I send to the desk and ask to have 
read. 

The Clerk read as follows: 

Be it enacted, etc., That the expenditure of the sum of $5,000, or so much 
thereof as may be necessary, be, and the same is hereby, authorized to be 
made under the direction of the Secretary of State and the Joint Com- 
mittee on the Library for the erection of a bronze replica of the statue of 
Gen. VON Steuben, authorized to be erected in Washington; said replica to 
be presented to His Majesty the German Emperor and the German Nation in 
return for the statue of Frederick the Great, presented by the Emperor to 
the people of the United States. 

With the following amendment: 

Line 10, strike out the words "in return for," and insert in lieu thereof 
the words "in recognition of the gift of." 

Mr. McCall. Mr. Speaker, as this involves a very simple 
proposition, I ask unanimous consent that it be considered 
in the House as in the Committee of the Whole House. 

The Speaker. The gentleman from Massachusetts asks 
unanimous consent to consider the bill in the House as in 
the Committee of the Whole. Is there objection ? [After 
a pause.] The Chair hears none. 

Mr. Tawney. I will move to strike out the last word, 
or I will speak to the committee amendment. 

The Speaker. The gentleman from Minnesota asks 
recognition on the committee amendment. 

Mr. Tawney. For the purpose of asking a question, and 
that is. Whether it is the understanding of the gentleman 
from Missouri, the author of the bill, that this language 
carries an appropriation of $5,000 for that purpose? 

Mr. Bartholdt. That is my understanding, and that 
was the pmpose of the committee. 

Mr. Tawney. It authorizes the expenditure, but there 
is no appropriation, and we will have to make the appro- 
priation hereafter, if it is done. 



Proceedings in Congress 175 

Mr. Barthoudt. Mr. Speaker, I do not care to occupy 
the attention of the House unless 

Mr. Mann. Will the gentleman yield for a question? 

Mr. Bartholdt. Certainly. 

Mr. Mann. Does the gentleman think that this will 
have a tendency toward bringing about the era of peace 
the gentleman is so urgent to bring about by making 
these gifts back and forth between the two warlike nations 
of the world? 

Mr. Bartholdt. Mr. Speaker, in answer to that I am 
happy to say that no such gifts are necessary to estab- 
lish an era of peace between the United States and 
Germany [applause] because the two countries have main- 
tained a traditional friendship from the time of Fred- 
erick the Great. 

A few years ago the German Emperor presented to this 
country a statue of Frederick the Great. It was a token 
of the traditional friendship between Germany and the 
United States. Frederick the Great was a friend and 
well-wisher of George Washington, and the first of European 
monarchs to formally recognize the independence of the 
American Colonies. In remembrance of these historical 
facts the statue was presented by the German Emperor 
and accepted by the American Government. No rettum 
has ever been made on the part of this country for this 
act of international courtesy. It is, therefore, proposed 
in the pending bill to present to the German Emperor 
and Nation, in recognition of their gift, a replica of the 
monument which Congress has authorized to be erected 
in this city to the memory of Baron Steuben, the great 
drillmaster of the Revolutionary Army. A replica of the 
Steuben Statue is generally regarded as a most fitting 
object for a gift to Germany, for the reason that the 
baron, who left the Berlin court to tender his services to 
Gen. Washington, was a friend of both Washington and 
Frederick the Great, and the gift will, no doubt, be 
received by the great ruler of the German Empire in 



1 76 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

behalf of his people in the same spirit in which it is to 
be tendered. 

The bill, which has the unanimous recommendation of 
the Committee on the Library, carries an appropriation 
of only $5,000, $4,000 of which will be the cost of the 
replica and $1,000 to cover the expenses of shipping, and 
so forth. I sincerely hope that the bill may be passed 
without further debate. 

Mr. SuLZER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the 
gentleman a question, and that is: Whether he does not 
think that it would be better for the liberty and freedom 
of all the people throughout the world to send to Ger- 
many a statue of George Washington instead of the statue 
of Gen. VON Steuben? 

Mr. Bartholdt. Well, that proposition was not before 
us and is not before us now, but if my friend from New 
York will make a motion to that effect I should vote 
"aye" upon it. 

Mr. SuLZER. Mr. Speaker, then, in order to test the 
patriotic sense of the Members of the House, I move to 
amend by inserting the statue of George Washington 
instead of the statue of Steuben. 

The Speaker. Is the amendment of the gentleman an 
amendment to the amendment or a substitute for the 
amendment ? 

Mr. Stafford. Mr. Speaker, I make the point of order 
that the amendment is not germane. 

The Speaker. Does the gentleman from New York 
desire to be heard on the point of order? 

Mr. SuLZER. Mr. Speaker, I do not desire to be heard 
on the point of order, although I do not think the point 
of order can possibly lie against this amendment. I 
have a right, I believe, to move an amendment to this 
bill. It is before the House for the purpose of being 
amended or perfected. 

Mr. McCall. Mr. Speaker, I think the gentleman from 
New York would have to make his amendment a little 



Proceedings in Congress 177 

more definite; he would have to specify what statue of 
Washington he desires to have sent. We have a number 
in the city of Washington. 

Mr. Barthoi,dt. Mr. Speaker, I should like to be heard. 

The Speaker. For or against the point of order? 

Mr. BarThoIvDT. For the point of order. 

The Speaker. The Chair is prepared to rule. The 
gentleman from New York does not desire to be heard 
on the point of order. The Chair sustains the point of 
order, as under the precedents it is clearly not germane. 
The object of the bill is for the erection of a replica of a 
statue of Gen. von Steuben 

Mr. Sulzer. a parliamentary inquiry, Mr. Speaker 

The Speaker (continuing). And it is not a general 
bill to erect a monument, but it is confined to a monu- 
ment or a replica of Gen. von Steuben. 

Mr. Sulzer. Just a parliamentary inquiry, Mr. Speaker. 

The Speaker. Certainly. 

Mr. Sulzer. I would like to know if George Wash- 
ington is out of order. [Laughter.] 

The Speaker. In the present company, yes. [Great 
laughter.] 

The question was taken, and the amendments of the 
committee were agreed to. 

The bill as amended was ordered to be engrossed for 
a third reading; and being engrossed, it was accordingly 
read the third time and passed. 

Mr. Bartiioldt. Mr. Speaker, I ask mianimous con- 
sent to extend my remarks in the Record. 

The Speaker. Is there objection? [After a pause.] 
The Chair hears none. 

SENATE 

FEBRUARY 10, 1910 

A message from the House of Representatives, by W. J. 
Browning, its Chief Clerk, announced that the House had 
passed the following bill: 

84647°— 14 12 



lyS Statue of Baron von Steuben 

H. R. 16222. An act for the erection of a replica of the statue of Gen. von 
Steuben. 

The bill H. R. 16222, an act for the erection of a 
replica of the statue of Gen. von Steuben, was read 
twice by its title and referred to the Committee on the 
Library. 

MAY 16, 1910 

Mr. Root, from the Committee on the Library, to 
whom was referred a bill (H. R. 16222) for the erection 
of a replica of the statue of Gen. von Steuben, reported 
the same without amendment and submitted a report 
thereon (Rept. No. 693). 

The report (No. 693) follows: 

[Senate Report No. 693, Sixty-first Congress, second session] 

Replica op Statue op Gen. von Steuben 
May 16, 1910. — Ordered to be printed 

Mr. Root, from the Committee on the Library, submitted the following 
report (to accompany H. R. 16222); 

The Committee on the Library, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 16222) 
entitled "An act for the erection of a replica of the statue of Gen. 
Steuben," have had the same under consideration and report it back witliout 
amendment. The report of the House Committee on the Library on this bill 
is reprinted herewith. 

HOUSE 

MAY 27, 1910 

The House resolved itself into the Committee of the 
Whole House on the state of the LTnion for the further 
consideration of the sundry civil appropriation bill, with 
Mr. Mann in the chair. 

The Clerk read as follows: 

Unveiling statue of Gen. Baron von SteubEn: For unveiling and dedi- 
cating the statue of Gen. Baron von Steuben and for each and every pur- 
pose connected therewith, $2,500. 

Mr. Macon. Mr. Chairman, on that paragraph I reserve 
the point of order. 

Mr. Tawney. Mr. Chairman, I will state for the infor- 
mation of the gentleman from Arkansas that February 27, 



Proceedings in Congress 1 79 

1903, Congress appropriated $50,000 for the erection of 
this statue. No part of that appropriation that was then 
made available can be expended for the unveiling of the 
statue, and this is for the purpose, now that the statue is 
completed and will be erected and ready for imveiling 
during this year, of enabling the statue to be unveiled 
and to contribute to that ceremony what Congress did in 
respect to the two statues unveiled here a couple of weeks 
ago. 

Mr. Macon. Was the entire $50,000 expended? 

Mr. Tawney. The entire $50,000 — I can not answer 
whether it has all been expended or not, but under the 
language of the appropriation not a dollar of it can be 
expended on account of the unveiling. It is not available 
and can not be expended, by the language of the act, for 
that purpose. 

Mr. Macon. My reason for asking the question was to 
ascertain whether any part of the $50,000 was unexpended 
out of which this amount of $2,500 might be taken. 

Mr. Tawney. No matter how large the balance of the 
appropriation might be, none of it could be expended for 
this purpose, because the language carrying the original 
appropriation provides it shall not be expended for the 
unveiling of the monument. 

Mr. Macon. Has this monument been erected? 

Mr. Tawney. It has not been erected yet; but I under- 
stand it is completed and will be erected this fall sometime 
or next spring. 

Mr. Bates. The language of the appropriation was "as 
much as might be necessary," was it not? 

Mr. Tawney. Yes. 

Mr. Macon. I will say to the gentleman in charge of 
the bill, Mr. Chairman, that, judging by the tardy progress 
of the work on the Grant Monument, I do not think this 
appropriation will be needed for several years. 

Mr. Tawney. I will say to the gentleman from Arkansas 
[Mr. Macon] that this appropriation has been expended 



i8o Statue of Baron von Steuben 

by a commission composed of the Secretary of War, the 
chairman of the Committee on Library in the Senate, 
and the chairman of the Committee on Library in the 
House of Representatives. Now, the Secretary of War 
says the commission was not made aware of the necessity 
for the appropriation requested in time to include an esti- 
mate for it in the Book of Estimates for appropriations 
for 191 1. And he also calls attention to the fact that no 
part of the original appropriation is available for this 
purpose. And I recall that some time ago, when this 
matter was before the House, the gentleman from Mis- 
souri [Mr. Bartholdt] stated that this monument was 
completed, and it was to be erected and unveiled this 
year. That is my recollection of his statement. 

Mr. Macon. Is he a member of the commission? 

Mr. TawnEy. No. The commission consists of no one 
but the Secretary of War, the chairman of the Committee 
on Library in the Senate, and the chairman of the Com- 
mittee on Library in the House. 

Mr. Macon. The gentleman from Minnesota has had 
no suggestion from them as to when the unveiling would 
take place? 

Mr. Tawney. Next fall sometime; about the ist of 
November. And the money appropriated here would 
not be expended until the monument was ready for un- 
veiling, but it will be during the calendar year 19 10 — 
sometime about the ist of November. 

Mr. Macon. Mr. Chairman, $50,000 having been appro- 
priated and used, I am not disposed to retard the progress 
of the erection and unveiling of the monument by insist- 
ing upon the point of order. I therefore withdraw it. 

The Chairman. The gentleman withdraws the point of 
order. Under the unanimous-consent agreement the Clerk 
will proceed to read on page 73, line 12. 

Mr. CAMPBEm. Mr. Chairman, I would like to ask the 
chairman of the Committee on Appropriations what items 
of expense are intended to be covered by this $2,500? 



Proceedings in Congress i8i 

Mr. Tawney. The same items of expense as were in- 
cluded in the unveiling of the two monuments — one on 
Pennsylvania Avenue and one in Lafayette Park, namely, 
the Kosciuszko and Pulaski. The seating arrangements 
will constitute the principal item of expense. 

Mr. Campbell. I have observed that when seating 
capacity is being arranged for the unveiling of these monu- 
ments new lumber is invariably used in each instance, 
and I want to know if the Government buys and pays for 
material to be used for the one occasion in each of these 
instances or whether there is a salvage after the use of the 
lumber? It looked to me like a waste of material to buy 
new lumber every time seating capacity is provided for 
the unveiling of these statues. 

Mr. Tawney. I will say to the gentleman that the con- 
ditions tmder which the lumber is obtained amounts prac- 
tically to a lease of the lumber. It is bought on condition 
that it is to be taken back by the firm from which it is 
purchased after the unveiling has taken place, at a price 
agreed upon between the dealer and the commission. It 
is not an absolute purchase. It is only a conditional one. 
It has to be taken back. 

The Clerk proceeded with the reading of the bill. 

Mr. Bartholdt. Mr. Chairman, I wanted to suggest an 
amendment to this paragraph, increasing the amount from 
$2,500 to $3,500 

Mr. Macon. Mr. Chairman, I make the point ,of order 
that the amendment comes too late. The paragraph has 
been passed. 

The Chairman. The gentleman was on his feet asking 
for recognition when the Clerk commenced to read on 
page 7^. The gentleman from Missouri [Mr. Bartholdt] 
offers an amendment, which the Clerk will report. 

The Clerk read as follows: 

Strike out "two" and insert "three," page 68, line 7, so that it will read 
"$3,500." 

Mr. Bartholdt. Mr. Chairman, I understand that the 
appropriation for the recent unveiling of the Pulaski and 



i82 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

Kosciuszko statues was $2,500 and the same amount has 
been inserted for the Steuben Statue. But I am informed 
that greater facilities will be necessary for the unveiling of 
the Steuben Monument than were required recently. It 
is intended that from 3,000 to 4,000 singers will be present 
for the purpose of singing songs. A platform will have to 
be erected for them, and I understand this will entail an 
expense of at least $1,000 or more if these singers, who 
will come from all parts of the United States — from the 
West, the South, the North, and the East — are to be ac- 
commodated. I seriously hope that this small increase of 
expenditure will be made for their accommodation. 

Mr. TawnEy. Mr. Chairman, I trust the amendment 
will not be agreed to. I do not think that the expenses 
incident to the unveiling of any of these statues ought to 
be more than $2,500. That was the amount that we ap- 
propriated for both of the statues that were unveiled here 
several weeks ago. It seems to me that $3,000 would be 
an exorbitant amount to be expended for this purpose, 
because the main item of expense is providing seating 
capacity for those who attend. I do not think that we 
ever appropriated as much as $2,500 before we appropri- 
ated for the unveiling of the Kosciuszko and Pulaski 
statues. 

Mr. Bartholdt. Mr. Chairman, I desire to say to the 
gentleman from Minnesota that I did not bring the mat- 
ter to the attention of the Committee on Appropriations, 
and especially of the distinguished chairman, because the 
necessity of this additional appropriation has only recently 
become apparent. The fact is, Mr. Chairman, that it is 
proposed to make this the greatest demonstration of Ger- 
man-Americans that has ever taken place in the United 
States. I am informed that at least 50,000 people will be 
here, as compared, perhaps, with five or six thousand who 
attended when the Pulaski and Kosciuszko statues were 
unveiled. Naturally, the Government should do some- 
thing toward accommodating these great masses of people. 



Proceedings in Congress 1 83 

Mr. Cox of Indiana. What is the estimate of the crowd 
that came here the other day to attend the unveiling of 
the statues? 

Mr. Bartholdt. Five or six thousand. 

Mr. Cox of Indiana. And the gentleman estimates how 
many will be here on this occasion? 

Mr. Bartholdt. At least 50,000. 

Mr. Cox of Indiana. A very large number will come 
here from Germany. 

Mr. Tawney. I think the gentleman underestimated 
the number of those who attended the unveiling of the 
two statues recently. My information is that there were 
probably a great many more than 5,000 or 6,000. 

Mr. Cox of Indiana. Did the seating capacity fill the 
bill all right the other day ? 

Mr. Tawney. Yes. Of course the proceedings do not 
occupy a great deal of time, and the seating capacity is 
provided mainly for the societies under whose jurisdiction 
the statue has been prepared and erected and distinguished 
guests. Now, it is not proposed to provide a seating 
capacity for 10,000 or 15,000 or 20,000 people. These 
exercises do not last very long. 

Mr. Cox of Indiana. But they are very important. 

Mr. Tawney. And the German-Americans and the 
Polanders and the Americans can stand up a little while. 
If we undertook to provide seating capacity for all who 
attended, $3,000 would not be a drop in the bucket. 

Mr. BarThoIvDT. At least 45,000 people would have to 
stand up. I merely wish to call attention to the organ- 
izations that will participate in this coming event. There 
is the National German Alliance, composed of 2,000,000 
citizens of the United States; the North American Athletic 
Union, with over 100,000 citizens; the Eastern American 
and Western American Singer Societies, organizations 
comprising about 250,000 members. Under the auspices 
of these organizations these unveiling ceremonies will take 
place; and, as I say, the seating capacity will, of course, 
have to be somewhat enlarged. 



184 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

We can not possibly seat all those who want to attend; 
but for the singers who want to contribute to the dignity 
of the occasion by music and song and who are contributing 
liberally out of their own pockets by coming to the National 
Capital, we should at least have a place for them to be 
seated and a platform from which they can render their 
songs. 

Mr. Fitzgerald. Will the gentleman yield for a question? 

Mr. Bartholdt. Certainly. 

Mr. Fitzgerald. Where is this statue to be unveiled? 

Mr. Bartholdt. On Lafayette Square; the corner near- 
est to Connecticut Avenue. 

Mr. Stafford. The northwest corner. 

Mr. Fitzgerald. There is hardly any place there where 
you could build a platform that would hold 4,000 people. 
The platforms are generally built for the accommodation 
of the distinguished representatives of the different organ- 
izations who have some intimate connection with the memory 
of the person to be honored, and it is that they may be given 
an opportunity to be seated while the addresses are being 
delivered. It has never been possible to provide seating 
accommodation for all the visitors that would come to 
Washington. 

Mr. Bartholdt. That is a matter of course. 

Mr. Fitzgerald. It would not be possible to build a 
platform where 4,000 people could be accommodated. 

Mr. Bartholdt. Mr. Chairman, I am merely expressing 
the wishes of those who have this matter in charge. 

Mr. Fitzgerald. My understanding is that this money 
is used not only for the stands but for decorations, for 
engraving, for invitations, and a number of other inci- 
dental expenses. 

The Chairman. The time of the gentleman from Mis- 
souri has expired. The question is on agreeing to the 
amendment. 

The question was taken, and the Chairman announced 
that the nays seemed to have it. 



Proceedings in Congress 185 

Mr. Bartholdt. Division, Mr. Chairman. 

The committee divided, and there were — ayes, 28 ; noes, 35. 

So the amendment was rejected. 

SENATE 

JUNE 20, 1910 

Mr. WetmorE. I ask unanimous consent for the pres- 
ent consideration of Order of Business No. 653, being the 
bill (H. R. 16222) for the erection of a replica of the 
statue of Gen. von Steuben. 

The Secretary read the bill, and, there being no ob- 
jection, the Senate, as in Committee of the Whole, pro- 
ceeded to its consideration. It appropriates $5,000 for 
the erection of a bronze replica of the statue of Gen. voN 
Steuben, authorized to be erected in Washington, the 
replica to be presented to His Majesty the German Em- 
peror and the German Nation in recognition of the gift 
of the statue of Frederick the Great, presented by the 
Emperor to the people of the United States. 

The bill was reported to the Senate without amend- 
ment, ordered to a third reading, read the third time, 

and passed. 

HOUSE 

JUNE 21, 1910 

Mr. Wilson of Illinois, from the Committee on En- 
rolled Bills, reported that they had examined and 
found truly enrolled a bill of the following title, when 
the Speaker signed the same: 

H. R. 16222. An act for the erection of a replica of the statue of Gen. von 
Steuben. 

SENATE 

JUNE 22, 1910 

A message from the House of Representatives, by 
C. R. McKenney, its enrolling clerk, announced that the 
Speaker of the House had signed the following enrolled 
bill, and it was thereupon signed by the Vice President: 

H. R. 16222. An act for the erection of a replica of the statue of Gen. vON 
Steuben. 



1 86 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

HOUSE 

JUNE 22, 1910 

Mr. Wilson of Illinois, from the Committee on En- 
rolled Bills, reported that this day they had presented to 
the President of the United States for his approval the 
following bill: 

H. R. 16222. An act for the erection of a replica of the statue of Gen. von 
Steuben. 

JUNE 25, 1910 

Mr. Latta, one of the secretaries of the President of 
the United States, informed the House of Representa- 
tives that the President had approved and signed a bill 
of the following title on Jime 23, 1912' 

H. R. 16222. An act for the erection of a replica of the statue of Gen. von 

Steuben. 

The act (Public, No. 260) follows: 

[H. R. 16222; Public, No. 260] 
AN ACT For the erection of a replica of the statue of General VON SteubBn 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled. That the expenditure of the sum 
of five thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may be necessary, be, and 
the same is hereby, authorized to be made tmder the direction of the Sec- 
retary' of State and the Joint Committee on the Library for the erection of 
a bronze replica of the statue of General von Steuben authorized to be 
erected in Washington; said replica to be presented to His Majesty the 
German Emperor and the German Nation in recognition of the gift of the 
statue of Frederick the Great, presented by the Emperor to the people of 
the United States. 

Approved, June 23, 1910. 

***** 
Mr. Tawney. Mr. Speaker, I desire to call up the joint 
resolution appropriating $5,000 for the production of 
the replica of the statue of Gen. von Steuben, and move 
to suspend the rules and pass the resolution. 

The Speaker. The gentleman from Minnesota moves to 
suspend the rules and pass the following joint resolution, 
which the Clerk will report. 



Proceedings in Congress 187 

The Clerk read as follows: 

Joint resolution 240. to carry out the provisions of an act to present a replica of the statue of 
Gen. VON StBUBEN to the German Emperor and to the German Nation 

Resolved, etc., That there is hereby appropriated, out of any money in 
the Treasury not otherwise ajjpropriated, the sum of $5,000 to enable the 
Secretary of State, piysuant to an act of Congress at the present session 
of Congress, to present to the German Emperor and German people a rep- 
lica of the statue of Gen. von Steuben that is to be erected in Wash- 
ington, D. C. 

The Speaker. Is a second demanded? [After a 
pause.] No second being demanded, the question is on 
suspending the rules and passing the joint resolution. 

The question was taken; and two-thirds having voted 
in favor thereof, the rules were suspended and the joint 
resolution was passed. 

SENATE 

JUNE 25, 1910 

A message from the House of Representatives, by W. J. 
Browning, its Chief Clerk, announced that the House had 
passed a joint resolution (H. J. Res. 240) to carry out the 
provisions of an act to present a replica of the statue of 
Gen. VON Steuben to the German Emperor and to the 
German Nation, in which it requested the concurrence of 
the Senate. 

:{: :f: ^ He H: 

The Vice President laid before the Senate the joint 
resolution (H. J. Res. 240) to carry out the provisions of 
an act to present a replica of the statue of Gen. von 
Steuben to the Emperor and to the German Nation, 
which was read twice by its title. 

Mr. Wetmore. Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- 
sent for the present consideration of the joint resolution. 

There being no objection, the Senate, as in Committee 
of the Whole, proceeded to consider the joint resolution. 
It proposes to appropriate $5,000 to enable the Secretary 
of State, pursuant to an act passed at the present ses- 
sion of Congress, to present to the German Emperor and 



1 88 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

to the German people a replica of the statue of Gen. von 
Steuben that is to be erected in Washington, D. C. 

The joint resolution was reported to the Senate with- 
out amendment, ordered to a third reading, read the 
third time, and passed. 

HOUSE 

JUNE 25, 1910 

A message from the Senate, by Mr. Crockett, one of its 
clerks, announced that the Senate had passed, without 
amendment, joint resolution of the following title: 

H. J. Res. 240. Joint resolution to carry out the provisions of an act to 
present a replica of the statue of Gen. vON SteubEN to the German Emperor 
and to the German nation. 

***** 

Mr. Wilson of Illinois, from the Committee on Enrolled 
Bills, reported that this day they had presented to the 
President of the United States for his approval the fol- 
lowing joint resolution: 

H. J. Res. 240. Joint resolution to carry out the provisions of an act to 
present a replica of the statue of Gen. voN Steuben to the German Emperor 
and to the German nation. 

***** 

A message from the President of the United States, by 
Mr. Latta, one of his secretaries, annoimced that the 
President had, on Jime 25, 1910, approved and signed 
bills and joint resolution of the following titles: 

***** 

H. J. Res. 240. Joint resolution to carry out the provisions of an act to 
present a replica of the statue of Gen. voN Steuben to the German Emperor 
and to the German nation. 

The resolution (Public, No. 50) follows: 

[Public resolution — No. 50] 

IH. J. Res. 240I 

JOINT RESOLUTION To cany out the provisions of an act to present a replica of tlie statue 
of General von Steuben to the German Emperor and to the German nation 

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of tlie United States of 
America in Congress assembled. That there is hereby appropriated, out of 
any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the sum of $5,000 



Proceedings in Congress 189 

to enable the Secretary' of State, pursuant to an act passed at the present 
session of Congress, to present to the German Emperor and to the German 
people a replica of the statue of General von SteubEN that is to be erected 
in Washington, District of Columbia. 
Approved, June 25, 1910. 

Mr. Wilson of Illinois, from the Committee on Enrolled 
Bills, reported that this day they had presented to the 
President of the United States, for his approval, the fol- 
lowing bill: 

H. R. 25552. An act making appropriations for sundry 
civil expenses of the Government for the fiscal year ending 
June 30, 191 1, and for other purposes. 

This act (Public, No. 266, approved June 25, 1910) con- 
tained the following appropriation: 

Unveiling statue of General Baron von Steuben: For unveiling and 
dedicating the statue of General Baron von SteubEN and for each and every 
purpose connected therewith, $2,500. 



SIXTY-FIRST CONGRESS, THIRD SESSION 

[Extracts from the Congressional Record] 

HOUSE 

JANUARY 28, 1911 

A concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 58) providing for 
the printing of the proceedings upon the unveiHng of the 
statue of Baron von Steuben, introduced by Mr. Bar- 
tholdt, of Missouri, and referred to the Committee on 
Printing. 

The resolution (H. Con. Res. 58) follows: 

[H. Con. Res. 58. Sixty-first Congress, third session] 

In the House of Representatives 

January 28, 191 1 

Mr. Bartholdt submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was 
referred to the Committee on Printing and ordered to be printed 
Resolved by the House of Representatives (Ike Senate concurring), That there 
shall be printed and bound in tlie form of eulogies, with accompanying illus- 
trations, seventeen thousand one hundred copies of the proceedings upon 
the unveiling of the statue of Baron von Steuben in Washington, December 
seventh, nineteen hundred and ten, of which five thousand shall be for the 
use of the Senate, ten thousand for the use of the House of Representatives, 
two thousand to be delivered to the National German-American Alliance 
for such distribution as said alliance may desire to make, and the remaining 
one hundred copies shall be bound in full morocco and distributed through 
the Department of State to the descendants of Baron von Steuben and 
the speakers who took part in said celebration. 

FEBRUARY 9, 1911 

Mr. Cooper of Pennsylvania, from the Committee on 
Printing, to which was referred the resolution of the House 
(H. Con. Res. 58) providing for the printing of the pro- 
ceedings upon the unveiling of the statue of Baron von 
Steuben, reported the same without amendment, accom- 
panied by a report (No. 21 11), which said resolution and 
report were referred to the House Calendar. 

igo 



Proceedings in Congress 191 

The report (No. 21 11) follows: 

[House Report No. 2111, Sbcty-first Congress, third session] 

Proceedings at Unveiling of Statue of Baron von Steuben 

February 9, 1911. — Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on 
the state of the Union and ordered to be printed 

Mr. Cooper of Pennsylvania, from the Committee on Printing, submitted 
the following report (to accompany H. Con. Res. 58): 

The Committee on Printing, to which was referred House concurrent reso- 
lution No. 58, providing for the printing of the proceedings upon the im- 
veiling of the statue of Baron von Steuben, with illustrations, having had 
the same under consideration, report the resolution back with the recom- 
mendation that it do pass. 

By an act approved February 27, 1903, Congress appropriated the sum of 
$50,000 for the erection of a statue of Gen. von Steuben under the direction 
of a commission composed of tlie Secretary of War, the chairman of the Com- 
mittee on the Library of the Senate, and the chairman of the Committee on 
the Library of the House of Representatives of the Fifty-seventh Congress. 
The statue was unveiled in Washington on December 7, 1910, in the presence 
of the President of the United States, the German ambassador, and many 
other distinguished guests. 

Your committee believes tliis important event should be preserved in 
history with a suitable memorial volume. The resolution provides that, 
in addition to 5,000 copies for the Senate and 10,000 for the House of Repre- 
sentatives, the National German-American Alliance, which took a promi- 
nent part in the unveiling ceremonies, shall have 2,000 copies for such distri- 
bution as said alliance may desire to make. The resolution also contains 
the customary provision for 100 copies to be bound in full morocco for distri- 
bution to the descendants of Baron von Steuben and the speakers who took 
part in said celebration. 

The Public Printer has submitted a statement to the Committee on Printing 
that the estimated charge for printing and binding 17,100 copies, as required 
by the resolution, will be $5,460.62, based on 40 pages and 2 half-tone 
plates. 

FEBRUARY 21, 1911 

The next business on the Calendar for Unanimous Con- 
sent was House concurrent resolution No. 58. 
The Clerk read as follows: 

Resolved by the House of Representatives {the Senate concurring). That there 
shall be printed and boimd in the form of eulogies, with accompanying 
illustrations, 17,100 copies of the proceedings upon the travelling of the 
statue of Baron von Steuben in Washington, December 7, 1910, of which 
5,000 shall be for the use of the Senate, 10,000 for the use of the House of 
Representatives, 2,000 to be delivered to the National German-American 
Alliance for such distribution as said alliance may desire to make, and the 



192 Stattie of Baron von Steuben 

remaining 100 copies shall be bound in full morocco and distributed through 
the Department of State to the descendants of Baron vON Steuben and the 
speakers who took part in said celebration. 

The Speaker. Is there objection? 

Mr. Cox of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to 
object, I would Uke to ask if these reports will be put 
through the folding room? 

Mr. BartholdT. Yes, sir. 

The Speaker. Is there objection? 

There was no objection. 

The resolution was agreed to. 

SENATE 

FEBRUARY 21, 1911 

A message from the House of Representatives, by W. J. 
Browning, its Chief Clerk, announced that the House had 
passed a concurrent resolution providing for the printing 
and binding, in the form of eulogies, of 17,100 copies of 
the proceedings upon the unveiling of the statue of Baron 
VON Steuben in Washington, December 7, 1910, etc., in 
which it requested the concurrence of the Senate. 

:(: * * H^ * 

The Vice President laid before the Senate the following 
concurrent resolution of the House of Representatives, 
which was read and referred to the Committee on Printing : 

Resolved by the House of Representatives {the Senate concurring), That there 
shall be printed and bound in the form of eulogies, with accompanying 
illustrations, 17,100 copies of the proceedings upon the unveiling of the 
statue of Baron von Steuben in Washington, December 7, igio, of which 
5,000 shall be for the use of the Senate, 10,000 for the use of the House of 
Representatives, 2,000 to be delivered to the National German- American 
Alliance for such distribution as said alliance may desire to make, and the 
remaining 100 copies shall be bound in full morocco and distributed through 
the Department of State to the descendants of Baron von Steuben and the 
speakers who took part in said celebration. 

(Note. — H. Con. Res. No. 58 was not reported back to the Senate by the 
Committee on Printing in the Sixty-first Congress, and consequently a 
similar resolution was reintroduced in the Sixty-second Congress.) 



SIXTY-SECOND CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION 

[Extracts from the Congressional Record] 

HOUSE 

APRIL 11, 1911 

A concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 3) providing 
for the printing of the proceedings upon the unveihng 
of the statue of Baron von Steuben, introduced by 
Mr. Bartholdt, of Missouri, and referred to the Commit- 
tee on Printing. 

(Note.— H. Con. Res. No. 3 is the same as H. Con. Res. No. 58 of the 
Sixty-first Congress.) 

APRIL 27, 1911 

Mr. Finley, from the Committee on Printing, to which 
was referred the concurrent resolution of the House (H. 
Con. Res. 3) providing for the printing of the proceed- 
ings upon the unveiling of the statue of Baron von 
Steuben, reported the same without amendment, ac- 
companied by a report (No. 14), which said bill and 
report were referred to the Committee of the Whole 
House on the state of the Union. 

The report (No. 14) follows: 

[House Report No. 14, Sixty-second Congress, first session] 

Printing Proceedings of Unveiung Statue of Baron von Steuben 

April 27, 1911. — Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on 
the state of the Union and ordered to be printed 

Mr. Finley, from the Committee on Printing, submitted the following 
report (to accompany H. Con. Res. 3): 

The Committee on Printing, to which was referred House concurrent 
resolution No. 3, providing for the printing of the proceedings upon the 
unveiling of the statue of Baron von Steuben, with illustrations, having 
had the same under consideration, report the resolution back with the 
recommendation that it do pass. 

By an act approved February 27, 1903, Congress appropriated the sum 
of $50,000 for the erection of a statue of Gen. von Steuben, under the di- 
rection of a commission composed of the Secretary of War, the chairman 
of the Committee on the Library of the Senate, and the chairman of the 

84647°— 14 13 103 



194 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

Committee on the Library of tlie House of Representatives of the Fifty- 
seventh Congress. The statue was unveiled in Washington on Decem- 
ber 7, 1910, in the presence of the President of the United States, the 
German ambassador, and many other distinguished guests. 

Your committee believes tliis important event should be preserved in 
history with a suitable memorial volume. The resolution provides that, 
in addition to 5,000 copies for the Senate and 10,000 for the House of Rep- 
resentatives, the National German-American Alliance, which took a prom- 
inent part in the unveiling ceremonies, shall have 2,000 copies for such 
distribution as said alliance may desire to make. The resolution also con- 
tains the customary provision for 100 copies to be bound in full morocco 
for distribution to the descendants of Baron von Steuben and the speak- 
ers who took part in said celebration. 

The Public Printer has submitted a statement to the Committee on 
Printing that the estimated charge for printing and binding 17.100 copies, 
as required by the resolution, will be $5,460.62, based on 40 pages and 2 
half-tone plates. 

AUGUST 7, 1911 

The first business on the Calendar for Unanimous Con- 
sent was House concurrent resolution 3, which the Clerk 
reported by title. 

Mr. Mann. Mr. Speaker, can we not have the resolu- 
tion reported? 

The Speaker. The Clerk will report the resolution. 

The Clerk read as follows: 

House concurrent resolution 3 

Resolved by the House of Representatives {the Senate concurring) , That there 
shall be printed and bound in the form of eulogies, with accompanying 
illustrations, 17,100 copies of the proceedings upon the unveiling of the 
statue of Baron voN Steuben in Washington, December 7, igio, of which 
5,000 shall be for the use of the Senate, 10,000 for the use of the House of 
Representatives, 2,000 to be delivered to the National German-American 
Alliance for such distribution as said alliance may desire to make, and tjie 
remaining 100 copies shall be bound in full morocco and distributed through 
the Department of State to the descendants of Baron voN Steuben and the 
speakers who took part in said celebration. 

The Speaker. Is there objection to the present con- 
sideration of the resolution reported by the Clerk? [After 
a pause.] The Chair hears none. 

Hs * * * * 

The Speaker. The question is on agreeing to the reso- 
lution. 

The question was taken, and the resolution was agreed to. 



Proceedings in Congress 195 

SENATE 

AUGUST 8, 1911 

A message from the House of Representatives, by J. C. 
South, its Chief Clerk, announced that the House had 
agreed to a concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 3) pro- 
viding for the printing of 17,100 copies of the proceed- 
ings upon the unveiling of the statue of Baron von 
Steuben in Washington, D. C, December 7, 1910, in 
which it requested the concurrence of the Senate. 

The Vice President laid before the Senate the concur- 
rent resolution of the House of Representatives (H. Con. 
Res. 3), which was read and referred to the Committee 
on Printing. 

AUGUST 21, 1911 

Mr. Smoot, from the Committee on Printing, to which 
was referred concurrent resolution No. 3 of the House of 
Representatives, reported it without amendment, and it 
was considered by unanimous consent and agreed to. 



SIXTY-SECOND CONGRESS. SECOND SESSION 

[Extracts from the Congressional Record] 

HOUSE 

DECEMBER 7, 1911 

The President of the United States, in his annual mes- 
sage to Congress on foreign relations (H. Doc. No. 248), 
stated under the heading "Presentation to Germany of 
Replica of Von Steuben Statue" (pp. 18 and 19): 

In pursuance of the act of Congress, approved June 23, 1910, the Secre- 
tary of State and the Joint Committee on the Library entered into a con- 
tract wth the sculptor, Albert Jaegers, for the execution of a bronze 
replica of the statue of Gen. von Steuben erected in Washington, for pres- 
entation to His Majesty the German Emperor and the German nation in 
recognition of the gift of the statue of Frederick the Great made by the 
Emperor to the people of the United States. 

The presentation was made on September 2 last by representatives whom 
I commissioned as the special mission of this Government for the purpose. 

The German Emperor has conveyed to me by telegraph, on his own be- 
half and that of the German people, an expression of appreciative thanks 
for this action of Congress. 

FEBRUARY 21, 1912 

A concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 39) to amend 
concurrent resolution passed August 21, 191 1, providing 
for the printing of the proceedings upon the unveiling 
of the statue of Baron von Steuben, introduced by Mr. 
Bartholdt, of Missouri, and referred to the Committee 
on Printing. 

The resolution (H. Con. Res. 39) follows: 

IH. Con. Res, 39, Sixty-second Congress, second session] 

In the House of Representatives, February 21, 1912 

Mr. Bartholdt submitted the following concurrent resolution, which was 
referred to the Committee on Printing and ordered to be printed: 

Resolved by the House of RcpTesenlatives {the Senate concurring). That the 

concurrent resolution passed August twenty-first, nineteen hundred and 

eleven, providing for the printing of the proceedings upon the imveiling 

of the statue of Baron von Steuben in Washington, December seventh, 

196 



Proceedings in Congress 197 

nineteen hundred and ten, be amended by adding the following sentence 
after the last word thereof; 

" There shall be included in the same volume, as herein provided for, 
the proceedings relating to the imveiling of the statue of Baron von 
Steuben in Berlin, September second, nineteen himdred and eleven; and 
this document shall be compiled and printed tmder the direction of the 
Joint Committee on Printing." 

MARCH 26, 1912 

Mr. FiNLEY. Mr. Speaker, I send the following privileged 
resolution to the Clerk's desk. 

The Speaker. The Clerk will report the resolution. 
The Clerk read as follows: 

House concurrent resolution 39 

Resolved by the House of Representatives {the Senate concurring). That the 
concurrent resolution passed August twenty-first, nineteen hundred and 
eleven, providing for the printing of the proceedings upon the tmveilingof 
the statu* of Baron von Steuben in Washington, December seventh, nine- 
teen hundred and ten, be amended by adding the following sentence after 
the last word thereof: 

"There shall be included in the same volume, as herein provided for, 
the proceedings relating to the unveiling of the statue of Baron von 
Steuben in Berlin, September second, nineteen hundred and eleven; and 
this document shall be compiled and printed xmder the direction of the 
Joint Committee on Printing. " 

Mr. FiNivEY. This is by way of an amendment to a 
resolution which passed some time ago. 

Mr. Mann. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that 
the gentleman from Missouri [Mr. Bartholdt] have leave to 
extend his remarks in the Record on this subject. 

Mr. FiNLEY. I did not see the gentleman from Missouri 
or I would have yielded the floor to him. 

The Speaker. The gentleman from Illinois asks unani- 
mous consent that the gentleman from Missouri [Mr. 
Bartholdt] be permitted to extend his remarks in the 
Record on this resolution. Is there objection? [After a 
pause.] The Chair hears none, and it is so ordered. 

The question was taken, and the concurrent resolution 
was agreed to. 

The report (No. 448) on H. Con. Res. 39 follows: 



1 98 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

[House Report No. 448, Sixty-second Congress, second sessionl 

Publication op Proceedings op Unveiung of Statue op Baron von 

Steuben 

March 26, 1912. — Ordered to be printed 

Mr. Finley, from the Committee on Printing, submitted the following 
report (to accompany H. Con. Res. 39): 

The Committee on Printing, having had vtnder consideration the House 
conciu-rent resolution (H. Con. Res. 39) to amend the concurrent resolution 
passed August 21, 191 1, providing for the printing of the proceedings upon 
the unveiling of the statue of Baron voN Steuben, reports the same back 
to the House with the recommendation that the resolution be agreed to. 

SENATE 

MARCH 27, 1912 

A message from the House of Representatives, by 
D. K. Hempstead, its enrolling clerk, annomiced that the 
House had passed a concurrent resolution (No. 39) 
amending the concurrent resolution passed August 21, 
191 1, providing for the printing of the proceedings upon 
the unveiling of the statue of Baron von Steuben in 
Washington, December 7, 1910, etc., in which it requested 
the concurrence of the Senate. 

MARCH 28, 1912 

The Vice President laid before the Senate concurrent 
resolution No. 39 of the House of Representatives, which 
was read and referred to the Committee on Printing. 

APRIL 2, 1912 

Mr. Smoot, from the Committee on Printing, to which 
was referred House concurrent resolution No. 39, reported 
it without amendment, and it was considered by unani- 
mous consent and agreed to. 

HOUSE 

AUGUST 5, 1912 

Under leave to print, Mr. Mann, of Illinois, inserted 
in the Record an account of the presentation of a replica 
of the Steuben Monument to Emperor William and of 
the unveiling ceremonies at Berlin on September 2, 191 1. 
(See pp. 69-81 for this account.) 



MEMORIALS 
OF STEUBEN 



BURIAL PLACE 
PORTRAITS 
AND RELICS 



STEUBEN'S BURIAL PLACE 

In a lonely grave, long neglected and almost forgotten 
amid the wild woods of Oneida County, N. Y., lie the re- 
mains of Baron von Steuben, aid-de-camp to Frederick 
the Great and Inspector General under Washington. It is 
located in the town of Steuben near Remsen, N. Y. No 
such pomp and ceremony as were displayed at the unveil- 
ing of the monuments erected to his memory in the Capital 
of his adopted country and in the capital of his native 
land marked the burial of this hero of two continents. 
Quietly and modestly as he had lived after the close of 
the Revolutionary War, so was he laid to rest in the forest 
that surrounded his log-cabin home on the estate presented 
to him by the State of New York, where his last days were 
spent with a few friends and comrades in arms. 

Steuben had made detailed provision as to the distribu- 
tion of his property and war trophies and the manner of 
his burial in his last will and testament,' which reads as 
follows : 

I, Frederick William Baron de Steuben of the City and State of New 
York do make this my last will and testament 

Sufficient reasons having determined me to exclude my relations in Europe 
from any participation in my estate in America and to adopt my Friends 
and former Aid De Camps Benjamin Walker and William North as my 
children and make them sole devisees of all my estates therein, except as 
hereinafterwards is otherwise disposed of in consequence thereof. 

I bequeath to the said Benjamin Walker the sum of Three Thousand dollars, 
and the Gold hiked sword given to me by Congress 

To the said William North I bequeath my silver hilted sword and the gold 
box given me by the City of New York 

To John I. Mulligan I bequeath the whole of my Library, Maps and Charts, 
and the sum of Two Thousand five hundred Dollars to complete it, 

And to each of my Servants living with me at the time of my decease one 
year's wages and besides this to my valet de chambre all my wearing apparel 
but I do hereby declare that those legacies to my Servants are on the following 
conditions; that on my decease they do not permit any person to touch my 
Body, nor even to change the shirt, in which I shall die, but that they WTap 
me up in my old Military Cloak and in twenty-four hours after my Decease 

' The original of StbcbBN's will is among the "Steuben Papers" in the New York Historical 
Society. 170 Central Park West, New York City. 



202 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

bury me in such spot as I shall before my Decease point out to them, and that 
they never acquaint any person with the place where I shall be buried 

And lastly I do give, devise and bequeath all the rest and residue of my 
Estate real and Personal after the Payment of my Debts and the legacies 
aforesaid to the said Benjamin Walker and William North, to hold to them 
their Heirs, Executors and Administrators share and share alike hereby 
appointing the said Benjamin Walker & William North Executors of this my 
last Will and Testament and revoking all former Wills by me heretofore made. 

New York February 12 1794. 

Steuben, [l. s.] 

Signed, sealed, published and declared as the last Will and Testament, 
of the above Testator in the presence of & attested and subscribed by us in 
his presence. 

Charles Williamson, 
Charles Adams 
W. H. Robinson. 

The burial of this gallant old general is thus described 
in "The Life of Frederick William von Steuben," by 
Friedrich Kapp (pp. 600-601): 

Steuben himself had often expressed, in tlie circle of his friends, that 
he wished no parade over his remains, and would designate the retired spot 
where, wrapped in his military cloak, he wished to be buried. The only 
remark, however, that could be recollected, that had any bearing on the 
subject, was tliat he was once heard to say that imder a certain hemlock, 
north of the residence, would be a good place to be buried, without, how- 
ever, expressing any wish as to his own remains. In the absence of any 
other expressed wish, that place was selected by (Col.) North (Steuben's 
aid-de-camp) and (John W.) Mulligan (the baron's secretary) and his remains 
there interred. It was about an eighth of a mile north of the house, on a hill 
in the midst of a wood. 

Agreeably to his directions, Steuben was biu-ied about noon, on the 30th 
of November, 1794. His neighbors, about 30 in number, hastened to the 
farm to pay their last respects to their beloved old townsman. It was a 
simple and modest cortege which, on a shivering winter day, accompanied 
his remains to the grave. No motuning parade or music was there; no 
crape-covered eagles or colors were to be seen; no cannon fired a military 
salute; no word was spoken; no funeral sermon delivered. Some handfuls 
of earth, and the tears of a few manly and sincere friends, were the last 
tribute paid to the citizen soldier, who, having contributed in no small 
degree to the attainment of the American independence, now found lasting 
repose in the imbroken stillness of her primeval forests. 

In 1802 a visit to Steuben's house and grave was made by 
Rev. John Taylor, who thus describes that event in the jour- 
nal of his missionary tour through the Mohawk and Black 
River Countries as published in the Documentary History 
of the State of New York (Vol. Ill, pp. 1115, 1134-1135): 




BARON STEUBEN'S LOG HOUSE, 
In the town of Steuben, Oneida County, N. Y. 




BARON STEUBEN'S GRAVE AND MONUMENT, 
In the town of Steuben, Oneida County, N. Y, 



Steuben's Burial Place 203 

Monday (Aug.) 9th (1802) — * * * Spent a few moments at the grave 
of the enterprising Steuben. He lies in a thick Swamp, under a small Hem- 
lock, without a monument. Alas! where is the sensibility of his heirs — 
or of the Americans? 

* » » » « 

Steuben. This patent is on tlie height of land between ye Mohawk and 
the Black river — some of the headwaters of both are in this town. Standing 
on a hill, near the center of the to^vn, we have an extensive prospect on 3 
sides; — to the N.W., about 35 miles, we see the Oneida Lake — south we 
see ye settlements of New Hartford and Clinton — Clinton Academy is in 
full view. We can here see the tops of the Catskill mountains — S. E. & 
S. W. the tops. It is said that upon ye tops of ye trees Ontario is in 
sight. * * * 

Here I find the grave of the once active and enterprising Steuben. He 
lies in a swamp, under a Hemlock, with a bier standing over the grave, 
and a few rough boards nailed to some trees to keep ye cattle off. Alas! 
what is man! that the great Steuben should be suffered to lie in such a 
place — and without a decent monument. 

A few rods from this swamp, we find the place of his former residence — 
of which I have taken a rough drawing. This is a very healthful situation. 
The house faces the south — and there is a gradual descent for about 80 rods, 
and an opening about 50 rods wide. The seat of this great man was not 
indeed a palace, nor what we should suppose would afford contentment 
to the mind of an enterprising nobleman: It consists of 2 log houses — one 
at the end of the other — containing in the whole 3 rooms — unsealed. It 
is, however, a decent log house. The Baton died in a fit of palsy. 

The picture of Baron Steuben's residence which accom- 
panies this sketch was reproduced from the Rev. John 
Taylor's drawing, as referred to in his journal. The plate 
was loaned for this publication by the Oneida Historical 
Society of Utica, N. Y., which also generously contributed 
the plate of the monument over Steuben's grave and that 
of Steuben's service sword. 

Nothing now exists of Steuben's house. Even his body 
was not permitted to remain long in the grave he had 
chosen for his earthly resting place. Some years after his 
burial under the favorite hemlock tree, a country road was 
built across Steuben's grave and his remains had to be 
taken up and reinterred in another part of the woods. This 
second burial place was selected by Maj. Benjamin Walker, 
an aid-de-camp to Steuben, who gave one of the Welsh 
Baptist societies in the vicinity a lease to 50 acres of land, 
of which the 5 acres of the woodland burial place were a 
part, the only rent to be paid for which was the keeping of 
the 5 acres fenced forever and uncleared, and that no cattle 



204 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

or other animals should be permitted therein. The second 

grave was suitably marked with a stone and inscription. 

Kapp, in his history of Steuben, published in 1859, thus 

tells of a visit to Steuben's grave (pp. 603-604) : 

On the i2tli of June, 1857, we made a pilgrimage to the old soldier's grave. 
In Remsen we visited Steuben's last surviving servant, Lemuel Hough, 
who very minutely described the way to the place. The country through 
which we passed is moimtainous. Our road led over hills, through valleys 
and fine timberlands, fresh with the verdure of spring. The scenery was 
generally monotonous and entirely removed from the bustle and tumult 
of the world. The last rough house which we passed was a schoolhouse. 
Stout and healthy boys came out to meet us, evidently surprised at seeing 
Strange-looking faces in this wilderness. The pretty, young girl, however, 
that kept the school knew nothing of Steuben's grave. An old man finally 
directed us. "In that thick wood," said he, "you will find the grave," 
pointing eastward with his hand. We fastened oiu' horses, and climbing 
over fences, jumping ditches, and wading through underbrush, we finally 
reached the spot. There, on the slope of a little hill, at the foot of which 
a small, limpid brook runs, the remains of Steuben quietly repose. A 
column of stones, two or three feet in height, at each comer of the grave, 
upon which formerly rested a table of limestone, compose his simple mon- 
ument. It is now becoming more and more dilapidated, and the founda- 
tion having given way, nothing remains but the tablet and a pile of stones, 
which originally supported it. The tablet is about 8 feet by 4, and 
nearly a foot in thickness, and if kept in its place will withstand the rav- 
ages of centuries, but if not speedily repaired will fall to pieces from the 
influence of the weather. It bears the inscription: 

Major General 

Frederick William Augustus 

Baron de Steuben. 

It was a good and poetical idea of Walker to have selected this quiet spot 
for the resting place of his friend. The tall beech trees, under whose shade 
he loved to sit in the evening of his life, extend their wide-spreading arms 
over the grave and keep watch over the old hero. Fragrant flowers, with 
double vigor rising from the moldering vegetation, form a lovely wreath 
around the tomb. All dispute and trouble, all hatred and envy of daily 
life, are shut out from this hallowed spot, which in its simplicity and seclu- 
sion presents a strong contrast with the stirring and prominent career of him 
whose ashes it contains. 

Kapp thus describes the Steuben memorial tablet which 

Col. North placed in the German Reformed Church of New 

York City: 

G)l. William North caused a neat mural monument to be erected in Steu- 
ben's memory upon the walls of the German Reformed Church, then under 
the charge of John D. Gross, and situated in Nassau Street, between John 
Street and Maiden Lane, in New York City. When a Baptist society sub- 
sequently got possession of that church, they courteously allowed the menu- 




STEUBENS COAT CF ARMS. 




STEUBEN MEf.:. Ki--i. _ . . 

Placed in the German Reformed Church of New York City, 
by his aid, Col. William North. 



Steuben's Burial Place 205 

ment to be taken down and carried to the new church of the Germans in 
ForsjiJi Street. There we found it, on the right of the pulpit, well pre- 
served and fastened into the wall. Lossing says that when visiting that 
church he saw the monument in separate pieces, lying amongst the rub- 
bish, in a small lumber room of the church, disfigured and mutilated. On 
inquiring we were informed that the monument was kept in this condi- 
tion on account of a lawsuit which was pending with regard to the property 
of the congregation in their church. But after that suit had been decided 
in favor of the German Reformed Church, th§ first care of its minister, Mr. 
Abraham Berky, was to put North's monument in its proper place, and it 
is due to the exertions of this gentleman that the city of New York can boast 
of this valuable historical monument.' The slab, of obelisk form, and the 
square frame, are of bluish, clouded marble. The lower urn has upon it a 
representation of the Order of Fidelity. The following is the inscription, 
from the pen of Col. North: 

sacred to the memory of 

FRED" WILL" AUG' BARON STEUBEN, 

a German 

Knight of the Order of Fidelity; 

Aid-de-camp to Frederick the Great, King of Prussia; 

Major-General & Inspector General 

in the Revolutionary War. 

Esteemed, respected and supported by Washington, 

he ga-ve military Skill & Discipline 

to the Citizen-Soldiers; 

who, 

(fulfilling the Decrees of Heaven,) 

achieved the Independence of the United States. 

The highly polished manners of the Baron 

were graced 

by the most noble feelings of the heart. 

His hand, "open as d^ for melting Charity," 

closed only in the strong grasp of Death. 

This Memorial is inscribed 

by an American 

who had the honor to be his Aid-de-Camp, 

the happiness to be his Friend. 

Ob. 1795' 

^ The Steuben memorial tablet erected by his aid-de-camp. Col. William North, now 
occupies a prominent place in the German Evangelical Reformed Church at 355 East Stxty-eighth 
Street, New York City. It was installed first, as Kapp relates, in the original church building of 
that denomination in Nassau Street on October 2, 1812. After twelve years, the tablet was moved 
to the Forsi-th Street church, where it remained for thirty-seven years. Then it was removed to 
Norfolk Street when a new church was erected in that location, and remained on the walls of the 
Norfolk Street church for thirty-six years. The next move was to its present location in the 
East Sixty-eighth Street church, where the tablet has been for the last sixteen years. A photo- 
graph of the tablet was made especially for this docimaent by the courtesy of Rev. Julius Jaeger, 
pastor of the German Evangelical Reformed Church, which treasures this memorial of the great 
German drillmaster. Steuben was a member of the consistory of the German Reformed Church 
when it was located in Nassau Street and chairman of its board of trustees on June 20, 1785, 
according to the church records. Several years ago the church celebrated its one hundred and 
fiftieth anniversary and issued a pamphlet giving its complete history. 

* The date of Steuben's death as inscribed on the memorial tablet is in error. SiEtraEN 
died November 2S. 1794. 



2o5 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

In December, 1856, the St. Charles Democrat, of Missouri, a German 
country paper, published an appeal from Mr. Theodore Brufere to the Ger- 
mans of tlie United States for the erection of a monument in honor of Steuben. 
This appeal went the round of tlie Americo-German press and caused a gen- 
eral manifestation of the appreciation in which the Germans in the United 
States hold Steuben's memory. In consequence of that address committees 
were appointed at several places to raise funds for a monument. Gjncerts 
and theatrical representations were given for the same purpose, and the 
German "Turner" and militia companies especially seemed to take a great 
interest in the realization of the plan. But whether it was that the wealthier 
Germans did not participate in the enthusiasm of their fellow cotintrymen 
or that the management was not confined to proper hands, the whole matter 
was gradually dropped, and although there are sopie five or six thousand 
dollars collected there is no present appearance that the project will ever be 
carried out. 

The project of erecting a suitable monument to mark 
the grave of Steuben was more successful, however, than 
appeared to Kapp when he was writing his "Life of Steu- 
ben" in 1858. 

In an address on Baron Steuben before the Oneida 
Historical Society, April 11, 1910, Rev. Dana \V. Bigelow, 
D. D., of Utica, N. Y., says of the movement to erect a 
monument over the grave of Steuben: 

In 1856 German newspapers and societies called for funds for a monu- 
ment, and some thousands of dollars were secured. Not until 1870, however, 
was tlie plan carried out. Ex-Gov. Horatio Seymour gave encouragement 
and inspiration to the movement and the German Society of New York, 
Steuben Schuetzen, responded with enthusiasm. By their own generous 
offerings the fund of 1856 was supplemented and to this was added an ap- 
propriation by the State. 

The comer stone of the monument was laid Jime i, 1870, in the presence 
of thousands of people. Ex-Gov. Seymour presided, and after an eloquent 
address laid the stone with these words: 

"In behalf of our German fellow citizens, in behalf of tlie citizens of the 
State of New York, in behalf of the whole American people, who desire that 
the memory of this great man shall never pass away, since his Revolutionary 
acts were instrumental in laying the comer stone of our liberties, I now de- 
posit the comer stone of this monument, erected in honor of the memory 
of Baron Frederick William Steuben. May God grant that it will ever 
serve to remind the American people of the great service which he per- 
formed in their cause, which he adopted as his own. May God grant that 
it may always be treasured as sacredly as we treasure his memory to-day." 

An address was given by Mr. Sixtus Karl Kapff in behalf of the New 
York German Society, who were present in large numbers. An ode was 
sung by tlie Liederkranz Society of New York. Maj. Gen. Franz Sigel, 



Steuben's Burial Place 207 

received with great applause, made an address in German. Other speak- 
ers also took part with appropriate speeches. Then the assemblage dispersed 
and the forest was left with its hero asleep amid the maples and beeches 
and wild flowers. The monument, plain but massive, was finished in due 
time. 

The entrance to the butial ground is now marked by handsome pillars, 
and visitors who pass tliese find a trail that leads into the woodland to the 
tomb. At the entrance one will pause to look over a far-reaching land- 
scape. The view takes in the region of the Mohawk Valley, now one of the 
thoroughfares of the great Nation whose liberties were secured by men of 
the Revolutionary era. In this valley is the home of citizens who espe- 
cially will cherish in grateful remembrance the name Steuben. 

In recent years the Oneida Historical Society, of Utica, 
N. Y., and the Baron Steuben Chapter, Daughters of 
the^ American Revolution, of Bath, N. Y., have cooper- 
ated in the restoration and care of the monument which 
marks the grave of Steuben. An official bronze marker of 
the Daughters of the American Revolution has been placed 
on the grave by the Baron Steuben Chapter. Upon 
the completion of its patriotic work the Oneida His- 
torical Society and the Daughters of the American 
Revolution held commemorative exercises at the grave 
of the grand old German hero they thus chose to honor. 



PORTRAITS AND RELICS OF STEUBEN 

At the New York City celebration of the centennial 
of Washington's inauguration as the first President of the 
United States, a loan exhibition was made of many interest- 
ing portraits and relics of the historic personages who par- 
ticipated in the first inaugural ceremonies. Baron Steuben, 
by reason of his distinguished army service, occupied a 
prominent position on the balcony of Federal Hall near 
Washington when he became the head of the new Nation. 
Accordingly, the centennial committee gave a conspicuous 
place to the Steuben portraits and relics in the New York 
exliibition. Concerning the portraits of Steuben, "The 
History of the Centennial Celebration of the Inauguration 
of George Washington as First President of the United 
States," edited by Clarence Winthrop Bowen, Ph. D., secre- 
tary of the publication committee, says : 

Among the portraits of Baron DE Steuben, who stood by Washington when 
he was inaugurated, (Pierre Eugfene) du Simitifere made, in Philadelphia, a 
drawing from life.' 

The city of Philadelphia owns a portrait of SteubEN, by C. W. Peale, which 
is deposited in Independence Hall (old Statehouse). This portrait was in 
Peale 's Museum in Philadelphia in 1795 and was sold at the Peale sale in 1854. 

There is another portrait by C. W. Peale, deposited in the Pennsylvania 
Academy of the Fine Arts, which formerly belonged to Richard Peters. 

John Trumbull also represents Steuben in the historical painting entiUed 
"Surrender of Cornwallis," which is owned by Yale University, a replica of 
which is in the Capitol at Washington . 

Ralph Earle painted a portrait of Baron DE Steuben, which was exhibited 
in the loan exhibition of 1889 (No. 194), and belongs to Mrs. F. B. Austin, of 
New York, who inherited the same from her great-grandfather, Maj. William 
North, Steuben's aid-de-camp. This portrait was given by the baron to 
Maj. North. In addition to the badge of the Society of the Cincinnati, Baron 
DE Steuben is represented in the Earle portrait as wearing a decoration ^ 
received in the service of Frederick the Great. 

1 An engraving made in 1783 by B. Reading after the du Simitl^re life drawing and owned by 
Gen. James Grant Wilson, of New York, was exhibited at the centennial celebration in New York. 
•"Order of Fidelity," bestowed by the Margrave of Baden. 

84647°— 14 14 209 



2IO Statue of Baron von Steuben 

A copy of the Earle portrait of Steuben is owned by the city of New York 
and is deposited in the governor's room, city hall. The copyist has omitted 
certain details in the dress, including the watch chain, and also the scenery 
in the background, for which Earle 's portraits are noted. The Earle portrait 
was engraved for Irving's Life of Washington. 

It is also stated that the artist R. E.Pine had a portrait of Baron de Steuben 
among his Distinguished Heads (Book of the Artists, by Henry T. Tuck- 
erman). 

Another portrait of Baron DE SteubEN is reproduced in the book entitled 
"The Society of the Cincinnati in New York," by John Schuyler, secretary of 
tlie New York State Society. 

Another painting of SteubEN by Ralph Earle is owned 
by Hon. George W. Featherstonebaugh, of Schenectady, 
N. Y. It was painted for the Hon. James Duane, of New 
York, while SteubEn was living in that city in 1786. Mr. 
Duane, as mayor of the city of New York, had presented 
Baron Steuben with the freedom of that mimicipahty. Mr. 
Featherstonebaugh inherited the painting as the great- 
grandson of Mr. Duane. This portrait is similar to that in 
the possession of Mrs. Austin. A copy of the Featherstone- 
baugh painting may be seen in the History of the North 
Carolina Society of the Cincinnati, by Brig. Gen. Charles 
Lukens Davis, United States Army, retired. It shows 
Steuben wearing the Order of the Cincinnati on his left lapel 
and the Order of Fidelity on the left breast of his coat and 
also suspended by a ribbon around his neck as in the Austin 
painting. The cross of the order " De la Fidelity " was be- 
stowed on Steuben by the Margrave of Baden at Carlsruhe 
on May 28, 1769. 

OWNED BY MRS. FRANCIS B. AUSTIN, SUMMIT, N. J. 

The photogravure of Baron Steuben, facing page 208, 
was made from an original life-sized painting (three-fourths 
length) in the possession of Mrs. Francis B. Austin, now of 
Summit, N. J., who kindly furnished the photographs of her 
Steuben relics for this document. The painting and relics 
have been treasured by the North family and its descendants 
ever since they were given by Baron SteubEN to his favorite 




Gold snuffbox presented by the city of New York. 






Knee buckle set with brilliants. Gold watch and chain. 

STEUBEN RELICS IN THE POSSESSION OF MRS. FRANCIS B. AUSTIN, OF SUMMIT. N.J. 




Gold-headed cane. 
(Mrs. Francis B. Austin ) 



Service sword and scabbard. 
(Otieida Historical Society. Utica, N. Y.) 



Dress sword. 
(Mrs. Francis B. Austin.) 



STEUBEN'S SWORDS AND CANE. 



Portraits and Relics of Steuben 211 

aid-de-camp, Col. William North, the great-grandfather of 
Mrs. Austin, to whom they came in the following line: 

Col. William North to his son, Williarn Augustus Steuben North, to his 
daughter, Mrs. Mary (North) Weston, to her daughter, Mrs. Mary (Weston) 
Austin. 

In addition to the painting, Mrs. Austin also has the 
following Steuben relics, which are shown on the plates 
facing pages 2 1 o and 211: 

Dress sword bequeathed by Baron Steuben to his aid-de- 
camp. Col. William North. (See copy of will, p. 201.) 

Gold-headed cane carried by Steuben and presented 
to Col. North. 

Pair of knee buckles set with handsome brilliants, worn 
by Baron Steuben on state occasions. 

Gold watch and chain carried by Steuben for many years. 
Presented to Miss North, aunt of Mrs. Austin, by the Ger- 
mans of New York during a celebration of the German and 
French societies about 1876. 

Gold snuffbox presented to Baron Steuben "with the 
freedom of the city of New York" on October 11, 1784,' and 

' The following document accompanying the gold snuff box presented the freedom of the City 
of New York to Baron STEtraEN: 
Ctty of New York, ss. 

By James Duane. Esquire Mayor and the Recorder Aldermen and Assistants of the City tA 
New York in Common Council convened To all people to whom these presents shall come or 
concern Greeting 

Whereas the honorable Frederick William Baron de Stuben. Major General and Inspector 
General of the Armies of the United States of America, among other Individuals who have dis- 
tinguished themselves in our happy Revolution, hath rendered important Services, and this 
country- is more especially indebted to his well directed Efforts for the Introduction of that System 
into our Military' Establishment on which the Reputation and Success of our Arms so much 
depended: the Battle of Monmouth soon after the Commencement of his Labours and every 
subsequent Event of the late War being memorable Proofs of the Utility of that System in the 
Field: and the Records of Congress bearing Testimony in how great a Degree it contributed to 
promote the Interests of National Economy Now therefore Know Ye that We being mindful 
of the distinguished Merit of the said Baron de Stuben — Have received and admitted and by 
these Presents Do receive and admit the said Baron de Stuben to be a Freeman of the said city 
within the Limits of which he hath chosen his Residence, to hold exercise and enjoy all the Privi- 
leges Advantages and Immunities to the Freedom of the said City incident and appertaining as 
a public mark of the Sense We entertain of his Services of our Esteem for him personally and of 
the Interest We take in his Happiness — In Testimony whereof We have caused the public Seal 
of the said City to be hereunto affixed and these Presents to be enclosed in a Golden Box. Wit- 
ness James Duane Esquire Mayor of the said City this eleventh Day of October in the Year of our 
Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty four and of the Independence of the State of New 
York the ninth. 

JAS DUANE. 
By order of the Common Council. 

RoBT Benson Clk 



212 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

bequeathed by him to Col. North. Inscribed "Frederick 
Wm. Baron dE Steuben to WiUiam North to WiUiam 
Augustus Steuben North." (See Steuben's will, p. 201.) 

OWNED BY THE ONEIDA HISTORICAL SOCIETY, UTICA, N. Y. 

The following relics of Baron von Steuben are in the 
possession of the Oneida Historical Society and exhib- 
ited in its home, the Munson-Williams Memorial, at 
Utica, N. Y.: 

Steuben's service sword. (See plate facing p. 211.) 

Two silver gravy bowls used by the baron. 

Army trunk, large leather covered. 

Hunting knife. 

Oil painting of Baron von Steuben. Copy of the 
portrait by Ralph Earle. 

The service sword owned by the Oneida Historical So- 
ciety was given by Steuben to his aid, Maj. Benjamin 
Walker, whose daughter presented it to Edmund A. Wet- 
more, of Utica. Mr. Wetmore left it to his children, and the 
survivors, Edmund W. Wetmore of New York City and Mrs. 
Mary B. (John P.) Gray of Utica, presented it to the Oneida 
Historical Society in 1897. (See illustration facing p. 211.) 

Neither this sword nor that in the possession of Mrs. 
Austin answers the description of the sword which Congress 
presented to Baron Steuben and which he bequeathed to 
Maj. Walker. Efforts to locate the congressional sword as 
described on page 112 have not been successful. 

OWNED BY The SOCIETY OF THE CINCINNATI 

The New York State Society of the Cincinnati, of which 
Steuben was president from 1786 to 1790, possesses many 
interesting letters and documents written by Steuben. 
This society still has the original silk banner of blue and 
white with the American Army Eagle in the field designed 
by Steuben in 1786, and his plan for the initiation of 
members. 



STEUBEN'S ARMY LIQUOR CASE AND GLASSES, 
In the possession of Mr. James Sweeney Thompson, of North Tonawanda, N. Y. 




<!^^<-u-t^->«_^ 




Facsimile of Steuben's signature to letter to Concrress re- 
signine his ccmmissiou as Inspector General of the Con- 
tinental Army, March 20, 1784. 



Portraits and Relics of Steuben 213 

Secretary General Asa Bird Gardiner, of the Society of 
the Cincinnati, also has in his official custody numerous 
documents written by Steuben relating to that organiza- 
tion, of which he was one of the founders and the presiding 
officer at its organization meeting, May 13, 1783, in the 
Verplanck Mansion, Steuben's headquarters, which still 
stands on the east bank of the Hudson River, near Fishkill. 

OWNED BY MR. JAMES SWEENEY THOMPSON, NORTH 
TON A WANDA, N. Y. 

A liquor case, which was part of Steuben's camp equip- 
ment during the Revolutionary War, is owned now by Mr. 
James Sweeney Thompson, of North Tonawanda, N. Y., 
who kindly furnished the photographs of the case and its 
glasses for the illustration facing page 212. Baron Steuben 
gave the case at his death to his aid, Col. Walker, who in 
turn presented it to Col. William Williams, of Utica, N. Y. 
In 1839 the case was given to Mr. James Sweeney, of Tona- 
wanda, N. Y., and now is in the possession of Mr. Sweeney's 
grandson. 

OWNED BY THE NEW YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY 

The New York Historical Society, 1 70 Central Park, West, 
New York City, has 16 volumes of "The Steuben Papers," 
1 778-1 784, consisting of letters to Steuben, with copies of 
letters by Steuben, also Army returns, etc. In addition, 
the society has a miscellaneous collection of "Steuben 
Papers," which Kapp used in writing his life of Steuben. 

OWNED BY THE NATIONAL MUSEUM, WASHINGTON 

The United States National Museum in Washington 
has the following reminders of Steuben: 

A bronze medal, 2 inches in diameter, bearing on the 
obverse a bust of Steuben and the inscription "Major 
General Baron Steuben." Below this is inscribed the 
maker's name, "F. B. Smith, N. Y." The reverse con- 



214 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

tains the inscription, "Bom Nov. 15, 1730, at Magdeburg 
on the Elbe. Died Nov. 28, 1794, at Steubenville, N. Y." 
The Museum has no information as to the history of this 
medal. 

A small photographic reproduction of a painting of 
Baron Steuben by Ralph Earle. 

A small engraved portrait of Baron Steuben published 
by H. B. Hall & Sons, New York. 



STEUBEN'S COAT OF ARMS 

The coat of arms of the Steuben family is described as 
follows in Kapp's life of Steuben: 

An impailed shield, azure (blue) and argent (silver), with a bend over all 
gules (red); the crest, siu'mounting a military casque, is two elephant-trunks, 
the one on the dexter (right-hand) argent and gules, the sinister (left-hand) 
gules and azure. 

Kneschke, in his "Neues allgemeines Deutsches Adels- 
Lexicon," volume 9, page 33, also gives a similar description 
of the coat of arms borne by the Prussian branch of the 
Steuben family, of which the Baron was a member. 

The illustration facing page 204 shows the Steuben coat of 
arms as here described. 



BIBLIOGRAPHY 



LIBRARY OF 
CONGRES S 



BIBLIOGRAPHY OF BARON VON STEUBEN 

By H. H. B. Meyer, Chief Bibliographer, Library of Congress 

Note. — Concerning the manuscripts of Baron von Steuben the follow- 
ing statement is made by Winsor (v. 8, p. 447-448): "The papers of Baron 
Steuben (about 3,000 pieces) are in the library of tlie New York Historical 
Society. Sparks had a portion of them copied in 1827, beginning in 177S and 
going through the war, and these copies are now among the Sparks MSS." 
Some of Steuben's letters are to be found among the papers of Meshech 
Weare in the possession of the Massachusetts Historical Society. An impor- 
tant letter giving a statement of the inducements held out to his coming to 
America is among the papers of A. S. Osborne, of Auburn, N. Y. Such of the 
general's letters as have appeared in print are listed below under his name 
(items Nos. 69-72, inc.). Steuben's military Regulations are listed under 
items Nos. 74-80. 

1. Adams, Samuel. The writings of Samuel Adams. Coll. and ed. by 

Harry A. Gushing. New York, G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1904-1908. 
4 v. 8vo. 

Baron Steuben: v. 4, p. 7, 10, 39. E302.A31, v. 4 

2. American military biography; containing the lives and characters of 

the officers of the revolution, who were most distinguished in 
achieving our national independence . . . Pub. for E. S. John- 
son. Cincinnati, printed at the Chronicle Office, 1834. xxxii, 615 
p. 8vo. 

"Baron de Steuben": p. 606-613. E206.A54 

3. Bancroft, George. History of the United States from the discovery 

of the American continent. Boston, Little, Brown & Co., 1859-75. 
10 V. 8vo. 

"Winter-quarters at Valley Forge, November, 1777-April, 
1778": V. 9, p. 432-472- 

See especially pages 469-472. E178.B22, v. 9 

4. Baron Frederick William Augustus Henry Ferdinand von Steuben. 

(In Encyclopaedia Britannica. iithed. New York, 1911. 4to. v. 
25, p. 904-905.) AE5.E36, V. 25 

5. Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben. 

(In New international encyclopaedia. New York, 1909. 8vo. v. 
18, p. 562-563.) AE5.N55, V. 18 

6. Baron Steuben's account of his transactions in Virginia [to Richard 

Peters]. Historical magazine, October, i860, v. 4:301-303. 

E171.H64, V. 4 

7. Bigelow, Rev. Dana W. Baron Steuben, an address before the Oneida 

historical society, April 11, igio. Utica, N. Y., Oneida historical 
society, year book No. 11, 1910, p. xv-xxv. 

317 



2i8 Statiie of Baron von Steuben 

8. Bittinger, Lucy F. The Germans in colonial times. Philadelphia, 
J. B. Lippincott Co., 1901. 314 p. lamo. 
"List of works consulted": p. 300-305. 

Baion von Steuben: p. 241-274. E184.G3B4 

g. Bolton, Charles K. The private soldier under Washington. New 
York, C. Scribner's Sons, 1902. 258 p. 8vo. 

Baron Steuben: p. 33-34, m. £255. B69 

10. Bosse, Georg von. Das deutsche Element in den Vereinigten Staaten 

unter besonderer Beriicksichtigung seines politischen, ethischen, 
sozialen und erzieherischen Einflusses. Stuttgart, Chr. Belsersche 
Verlagsbuchhandlung, 1908. 480 p. 8vo. 

Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben: p. 90-91. E184.G3B65 

11. Bowen, Francis. Life of Baron Steuben. 

(In Sparks, Jared, ed. Library of American biography. Boston, 
1838. i6mo. v. 9, p. s-88.) E176.S81, v. 9 

12. Buttre, Lillian C. The American portrait gallerj'. New York, J. C. 

Buttre, 1879. 2 v. 410. 

"Frederick William von Steuben": v. 2, p. 81-82. 

E176.B99, V. 2 

13. Canitz, (von Steuben) Hauptmannin von. Authentische Fami- 

lien-Nachrichten von dem N. A. Generalmajor Fr. Wilh. von 
Steuben. 

(In Hansen, K. R. Staats-Materialien . Dessau, 1783-4. St. 6. 

S. 635-640.) 
The reference to these reminiscences by the general's sister 
is taken from Ebeling's Nachrichten, item no. 19 below. 

14. Carrington, Henry B. Battles of the American revolution. 1775-1781. 

Historical and military criticism. New York, Chicago, A. S. Barnes 
& Co. [1888]. 712 p. 8vo. 

See index under Steuben, Fredk. Wm. Augustus, de. Baron, 
Maj. Genl. E241.A1C4 

15. Clayton, W. Woodford. History of Steuben County, New York, with 

illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent 
men and pioneers. Philadelphia, Lewis, Peck & Co., 1879. 460 p. 

FI27.S8C6 

16. Cronau, Rudolf. Drei Jahrhunderte deutschen Lebens in Amerika; eine 

Geschichte der Deutschen in den Vereinigten Staaten. Berlin, 
D. Reimer (Ernst Vohsen), 1909. 640 p. 4to. 

"Generalmajor Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, der Schopfer 
des amerikanischen Heeres":'p. 226-241. E184.G3C7 

17. Drake, Francis S. Dictionary of American biography, including men cf 

the time; containing nearly ten thousand notices of persons of both 
sexes, of native and foreign birth, who have been remarkable. . . . 
Boston, J. R. Osgood and Co., 1872. 1019 p. 4to. 

Baron Frederick William Augustus von Steuben: p. 865-866. 

E176.D73 

18. Durand, John, ed. and tr. New materials for the history of the American 

Revolution. New York, H. Holt & Co., 1889. 311 p. i2mo. 

Baron Steuben: p. 102-103, i4°> '57- E203.D94 



Bibliography of Steuben 219 

19. Du Simitifere, Pierre E. Portraits of the generals, ministers, magistrates, 

Members of Congress, and others, who have rendered themselves 

illustrious in tlie revolution of the United States of North America. 

Loudon, R. Wilkinson and J. Debrett, 1783. 12 port. 2 p. 8vo. 

Contains a portrait engraved by B. B. E. with title Maj. Gen. 

Baron Steuben. Pubd May 15th, 1783, by R. Wilkinson, 

No. 58, Comhill, London. E206.D97 

20. Ebeling, Christoph D. C. Nachrichten von den Lebensumstanden des 

Baron von Steuben. 

(In Amerikanischcs Magazin. Hamburg, 1796. i2mo. v. i, p. 
148-163.) E311.AS1, V. I 

21. Faust, Albert B. The German element in the United States with special 

reference to its political, moral, social, and educational influence. 
Boston and New York, Houghton MifBin Co., 1909. 2 v. 8vo. 

See index under Steuben, Baron. E184.G3F3 

A German translation by Sophie v. Harbou was published in 
Leipzig, 1912. 

22. Fisher, Sydney G. The struggle for American independence. Phila- 

delphia, J. B. Lippincott Co., 1908. 2 v. 8vo. 

Baron Steuben: v. 2, p. 137, 453, 464. E208.F51, v. 2 

23. Fiske, John. The American revolution. Boston and New York, Hough- 

ton, MifBin and Co., 1899. 2 v. i2mo. 

See index under Steuben, Baron von. E208.F56 

24. Frost, John. The American generals. Philadelphia, J. W. Bradley, 

1848. 912 p. 8vo. 

"Major general Steuben": p. 88-98. Ei8i.F92 

25. General Friederich Wilhelm von Steuben. Deutsche Pionier, Nov. 1875, 

V- 7: 379-380- E184.G3DS, v. 7 

26. Greene, George W. The German element in the war of American inde- 

pendence. New York, Hurd & Houghton; Cambridge [Mass.], The 
Riverside press, 1876. 211 p. i2mo. 

"Baron von Steuben": p. 13-87. E269.G3G7 

27. — Historical view of the American revolution. Boston, Ticknor & 

Fields, 1865. 459 p. i2mo. 

Baron von Steuben: p. 233-235, 282-319. See especially pages 
298-303. E208.G79 

28. Hamilton, Alexander. The works of Alexander Hamilton, comprising 

his correspondence, and his political and official writings, exclusive 
of the Federalist, civil and military. . . . Ed. by John C. Hamil- 
ton. New- York, J. F. Trow, printer, 1850-51. 7 v. 8vo. 

Baron de Steuben: v. i, p. 56, 72, 78, 83, 136, 139, 142, 263, 428, 
43°. 431. 448, 475; V. 2, p. 154, 223. E302.H22, v. 1-2 

29. The works of Alexander Hamilton. Ed. by Heiuy Cabot Lodge. 

New York, G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1904. 12 v. Svo. 

Consult "Index to private correspondence" in v. 10, under 
Steuben. E302.H24 

30. Hatch, Louis C. The administration of the American revolutionary army. 

New York, Longmans, Green and Co., 1904. 229 p. Svo. (Harvard 
historical studies, v. 10.) E255.H36 



220 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

31. Headley, Joel T. Frederick William Augustus Henry Ferdinand von 

Steuben. 

(In Appleton's cyclopaedia of American biography, v. 5. New 
York, 1898. 8vo. p. 668-670.) E176.A66, v. 5 

32. Washington and his generals. New York, C. Scribner, 1859. 

2 V. i2mo. 

"Major general Steuben": v. i, p. 293-313. E206.H34, v. i 

33. [Heinrici, Max], ed. Das Buch der Deutschen in Amerika. Hrsg. unter 

den auspicien des Deutsch-amerikanischen National- Bundes. Phil- 
adelphia, Walther's Buchdr., 1909. 974 p. 4to. 

"Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, der Organisator und General- 
Inspektor der amerikanischen Arniee": p. 105-121. 

E184.G3H3 

34. Holland, F. W. Baron von Steuben. Living age, Apr. 21, i860, v. 65: 

173-174. AP2.L6S, V. 65 

35. Hopp, Ernst O. Bundesstaat und Bimdeskrieg in Nordamerika. Mit 

einem Abriss der Colonialgeschichte als Einleitung. Berlin, G. Grote, 
1886. 776 p. 8vo. (Oncken, Wilhelm, ed. AUgemeine Geschichte 
in Einzeldarstellungen. 4. Hauptabth., 4. Th.) 

General von Steuben: p. 232-235. 020.058 

36. Irving, Washington. Life of George Washington. New York, G. P. 

Putnam & Co., 1855-59. S '^- 8'^°- 
Baron Steuben: See index, v. 5. 

37. Jefferson, Thomas. The writings of Thomas Jefferson; being his auto- 

biography, correspondence, reports, messages, addresses, and other 
writings, official and private. . . Ed. by H. A. Washington. Wash- 
ington, Taylor & Maury, 1853-54. 9 v. 8vo. 

Baron Steuben: v. i, p. 288-289. Relates to the Virginian 
campaign. E302.J464, v. i 

38. Johnston, Henry P. The Yorktown campaign and the surrender of Com- 

wallis, 1781. New York, Harper & Bros., 1881. 206 p. 8vo. 

Baron Steuben: p. 32, 53, 136. E241.Y6J7 

39. Jones, Pomroy. Annals and recollections of Oneida County. [N. Y.] 

Rome, Published by the author, 1851. 893 p. 8vo. 

Chap. XXI contains an account of Steuben, the town named in 
honor of the general, and quotes from Frost's "American gen- 
erals" the brief life of Major-general Steuben. F127.O5J7 

40. Kapp, Friedrich. Leben des amerikanischen Generals Friedrich Wil- 

helm von Steuben. Mit Steuben's Portrait. Berlin, Duncker & 
Humblot, 1858. xxxii, 667 p. 8vo. E207. S8K3 

41. — Life of Frederick William von Steuben, major general in the 

revolutionary army. New York, Mason Brothers, 1859. 735 p. 

i2mo. E207.S8K33 

Reviewed in North American review, Oct. 1864, v. 99, p. 321-364. 

AP2.N7, V. 99 

42. Krauel, R. Prince Henry of Prussia and the regency of the United States, 

1786. American historical review, Oct. 1911, v. 17: 44-51 

E171.A57, V. 17 



Bibliography of Steuben 221 

43. Laurens, John. The army correspondence of Colonel John Laurens in the 

years 1777-8, now first printed from original letters to his father, 
Henry Laurens . . . with a memoir by Wm. Gilmore Simms. New 
York, 1867. 250 p. 4to. (Bradford club series, no. 7.) 

See index under Steuben, Baron. E275.L38 

44. Lecky, William E. H. The American revolution, 1763-1783; being the 

chapters and passages relating to America from the author's History 
of England in the eighteenth century . . . Arranged and ed., with 
historical and bibliographical notes, by James A. Woodbimi. New 
York, Boston, D. Appleton and Co., [i8g8]. 518 p. i2mo. 

General Steuben: p. 311, 441, 448. E208.L4S 

45. I,eister, Mary T. Biographical sketches of the generals of the Continental 

army of the revolution. [Cambridge, University press], 1889. 167 
p. i6mo. 

"Baron Steuben": p. 64H57. E206.L36 

46. Lloyd, Hugh. The story of a fight from Concord bridge to a field at York- 

town. New York, McLoughlin brothers, [1907]. 245 p. 8vo. 

Baron Steuben: p. 135, 136, 139, 208, 218, 223. E208.L79 

47. Lodge, Henry Cabot. The story of the revolution. New York, C. Scrib- 

ner's Sons, 1903. 604 p. 8vo. 
First published, 1898, in 2 v. 
See index under Steuben, Baron. E208.L83 

48. L«ssing, Benson J. Eminent Americans, comprising brief biographies of 

leading statesmen, patriots, orators and others, men and women, who 
have made American history. New York, J. B. Alden, 1886. 509 p. 
i2mo. 

Also pub. under titles "Our countrymen" and "Lives of cele- 
brated Americans." 
Baron von Steuben: p. 144-45. E176.L875 

49- The pictorial field-book of the revolution; or. Illustrations, by 

pen and pencil, of the historj', biography, scenery, relics, and tradi- 
tions of the war for independence. New York, Harper & Bros., 
1851-52. 2 V. 4to. 

Baron Steuben: v. 2, p. 125, 126, 341-343. 346-347. S26, 543-544, 
55°- E208.L88, V. 2 

50. Meyer, George. The German- American. [Milwaukee, Hake & Stim], 

1890. 41 p. i6mo. 

Baron von Steuben: p. 27-29. E184.G3M61 

51. Muhlenberg, Henry A. The life of Major-general Peter Muhlenberg of 

the revolutionary army. Philadelphia, Carey and Hart, 1849. 456 
p. i2mo. 

Baron Steuben : p. 216-253. 

52. Muzzey, Artemas B. Prime movers of the revolution known by the 

writer: being reminiscences and memorials of men of the revolution 
and their families. Boston, D. Lothrop Co., [1891]. 424 p. 8vo. 

ist ed. entitled "Reminiscences and memorials of men of the 
revolution," pub. 1883. 

Baron von Steuben: p. 15, 109, 204-208, 276, 283, 332. E2o6.Mg8 



222 Statue of Baron von Steuben 



53. North, William. Baron Steuben. Magazine of American history, Mar. 

1882, V. 8: 187-199. E171.M18, V. 8 

54. Peters, Richard. Letter [to John Montgomery containing a tribute to 

Baron Steuben]. Magazine of Western history, Sept. 1886, v. 4; 680. 

E171.N27, V. 4 

55. Peterson, Charles J. The military heroes of the revolution; with a nar- 

rative of the war of independence. Philadelphia, W. A. Leary, 
1848. 487 p. 8vo. 

"Baron Steuben": p. 359-364. E208.P48 

56. Pfister, Albert von. Die amerikanische Revolution, 1775-1783. Stutt- 

gart und Berlin, J. G. Cotta'sche Buchhandlung Nachfolger, 1904. 
2 v. 8vo. 

See index under Steuben. E208.P51 

57. Poten, B. Friedrich Wilhelm August Ferdinand von Stetiben. 

(In Allgemeine deutsche Biographic. Leipzig, 1893. 8vo. v. 36, 
p. 142-148.) 

58. Rattermann, H. A. Friedrich Kapp. Deutsch-amerikanisches Magazin, 

1886, V. i: 16-36, 226-238, 360-373. E184.G3D46, v. I 

59. Rhoads, Thomas Y. The battle fields of the revolution. Boston, L. P. 

Crown & Co.; Philadelphia, J. W. Bradley, 1856. 336 p. 

"Baron Steuben": p. 329-333. E241.A1R4 

60. Ridpath, John C. The new complete history of the United States of 

America. Washington, D. C, Ridpath history co., Cincinnati, Ohio, 
The Jones Bros. Publishing Co. [191 1]. 12 v. 4to. 

See index imder Steuben, Baron von. E178.R632 

61. Rogers, Thomas J. A new American biographical dictionary'; or, Remem- 

brancer of the departed heroes, sages, and statesmen of America. . . 
2d ed. Easton, Pa., T. J. Rogers, 1823. 352 p. i2mo. 

"Frederick William Steuben": p. 427-428. E206.R72 

62. Root, Mary P., ed. Chapter sketches, Connecticut Daughters of the 

American revolution; patron saints. New Haven, Connecticut 
chapters, Daughters of the American revolution, [1901]. 531 p. 

Baron Steuben: p. 232, 497. E202.C75 

63. Rosengarten, Joseph G. American history from German archives, with 

reference to the German soldiers in the revolution and Franklin's 
visit to Germany. Lancaster, Pa. [Press of the New Era printing co.], 
1904. 104 p. 4to. 

First pub. in collected form in v. 13 of the Proceedings and ad- 
dresses of the Pennsylvania-German society. 

Baron von Steuben: p. 6, 26, 34, 41. E267.R792 

64. The German soldier in the wars of the United States. Phila- 
delphia, J. B. Lippincott, 1886. 175 p. i2mo. 

Baron von Steuben : p. 54, 57, 115, 118, 128, 136. E184.G3R81 

65. Ruetenik, Herman J. Beriihmte deutsche Vorkampfer fiir Fortschritt, 

Freiheit und Friede in Nord-Amerika. Von 1626 bis 1888. Cleve- 
land, Forest City bookbinding co., 1888. 500 p. 8vo. 

"Baron Steuben": p. 70-87. E184.G3R9 



Bibliography oj Steuben 223 

66. Schmitt, Nikolaus. Leben und Wirken von Friedrich Wilhelm von 

Steuben. Vortrag, gehalten in dem Ktinstlerverein von Philadel- 
phia . . . Zura Besten des Steuben-Denkmals. Philadelphia, 
John Weik und Co., 1858. 42 p. port. i2nio. 

67. Sparks, Jared, cd. Correspondence of the American revolution; being 

letters of eminent men to George Washington from the time of his 
taking command of the army to the end of his presidency. Boston, 
Little, Brown and Co., 1853. 4 v. 8vo. 

Letters by Baron Steuben: v. 2, p. 420-422; v. 3, p. 126-129, 203- 
205, 290-294; V. 4, p. 41-43. E203.S73 

68. Spencer, Jesse A. History of the United States of America, ed. by Edwin 

Wiley and Irs'ing E. Rines. New York, American educational 
alliance, [1909-10]. 6 v. 8vo. 

See index tmder Steuben, F. W. A. H. F. Baron von. 

E178.S742 

69. Steuben, Friedrich W. A. H. F. von. Copia eines Schreibens von dem 

General Major von Steuben, an den Geheimenrat . . . in Hechingen; 
im Lager zu Neu Windsor am Nord Fluss, den 4 Jul. 1779. 

(In Schlozer's Briefwechsel. Gottingen, 1780. 8vo. v. 7, no. 
42, p. 327-337.) 
Relates to his landing in Portsmouth, his reception in Boston 
and later his reception by Washington and the army. 
Outlines his appointments, and gives glimpses of his sur- 
roundings and experiences. D1.S7, v. 7 

70. Letter of General Baron Steuben to the officers of the New Jersey 

line, July igth, 1783. 

(In New Jersey historical society. Proceedings, 1850-1851. 
Newark, 1851. v. 5, p. 14-15.) 

Refers to his motive in coming to America; pays a tribute 
to Col. Barber of the New Jersey line. F131.NS8, v. 5 

71. A letter on the subject of an established militia, and military 

arrangements, addressed to the inhabitants of the United States, 
by Baron De Steuben. New York, printed by J. M'Lean & Co., 
MDCCLXXXIV. 16 p. 4to. 

Bound with " Poems on Several Occasions. By a Gentleman of 
Virginia," and other pamphlets in a volume lettered "Poems, 
etc." There is also in the collection an unbound copy. 

Not in the Library of Congress. 

The reference was copied from A. P. C. Griffin's "A catalogue of 
the Washington collection in the Boston Athenaeum," Boston, 
1897, p. 193. 

72. [Letter relative to the New York society of the Cincinnati to Gen- 
eral van Cortlandt, dated New York, March 16, 1789.] Magazine of 
American history, September, 1883, v. 10: 253. £171. M18, v. 10 

73. The military assistant: being a collection of company discipline, 

principally selected from the writings of Frederick W. Steuben . . . 
by Emery Russell. Springfield, Mass., T. Dickman, [1812]. 48 p. 



224 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

74. Steuben, Friedrich W. A. H. F. von. Regulations for the order and dis- 

cipline of the troops of the United States. Part i. Philadelphia, 
printed by Styner & Cist, in Second street. 1779. 154 p. 8 plates. 
i6mo. XJB501 1779 

75. Regulationsfor the order and discipline of the troops of the United 

States. Part i. Hartford: Hudson and Goodwin. 1779. 138 pp., 
6 plates. 

76. For the use of the Militiaof Pennsylvania. An abstract of a system 

of military discipline: Framed by the Hon. the Baron Steuben, 
Major General and Inspector General of the Armies of these United 
States. Approved by His Excellency General Washington. Con- 
firmed by the Hon. the Congress. Philadelphia: Printed by Francis 
Bailey, in Market Street. 1779. 38 pp. 

77. Regulationsfortheorderanddisciplineof the troops of the United 

States. Part i. Hartford: Printed and sold by Nathaniel Patten. 
1780. 107 pp., 8 plates. 

78. Regulations for the order and discipline of the troops of the United 

States. Part i. Hartford: Printed by Hudson & Goodwin. 1782. 
89 pp., 8 plates. 

79. Regulationsfortheorderanddisciplineof the troops of the United 

States. Part i. Philadelphia: Printed by Charles Cist, at the cor- 
ner of Fourth and Arch streets. 1785. 151pp. 

80. Regeln fiir die Ordnimg und Disciplin der Truppen der Vereinigten 

Staaten. Erster Theil. Aus dera englischen (jbersetzt. Philadelphia, 
Gedruckt bey Carl Cist, No. 104 in der zweyten strasse. 1793. 
84 p. 8 plates. 8vo. 

Compiled by von Steuben. 

Editions were printed in nearly all the States in 1793 and 1794 
to meet the requirements of the Militia act of May 8, 1792. 

UBsoi 1793 

81. Steuben, Wilhelm A. von. Zuverlassige Nachrichten von dem Ge- 

schlecht und Herkommen des nordamerikanischen Generals F. W. L. 
G. A. von Steuben. 

(In Historischen Portefeuille, 1785, St. 4, S. 447, 453.)' 

The reference to this article by the general's father is taken 
from Ebeling's Nachrichten, see item no. 20 above. 

82. Das Steubenfest und das Steubendenkmal in Baltimore.' Baltimore, 

1878. 

83. Stone, Edwin M. Our French allies . . . Providence, Printed by the 

Providence Press Co., 1884. xxxi, 632 p. 4to. 

Baron Steuben : p. 138-144. E265.S87 

84. Stone, William L., jr. Baron Steuben. American magazine of history, 

March, 1882, v. 8: 187-199. E171.M18, v. 8 

85. Taylor, Rev. John. Journal of missionary tour through the Mohawk and 

Black River countries in 1802. Documentary history of the State 
of New York, by E. B. O'Callaghan, M. D. Vol. Ill, p. iii5andii35. 
Albany, Weed, Parsons & Co., 1850. F122.D63, v. 3. 

' Not in Library of Congress. 



Bibliography of Steuben 225 

86. Thacher, James. A military journal during the American revolutionary 

war, from 1775 to 1783 . . . Boston, Richardson & Lord, 1833. 603 
p. Svo. 

"Frederick William Augustus Baron de Steuben": p. 517-531. 

E37S-T3S 

87. Tower, Charlemagne. The Marquis de La Fayette in the American 

revolution. Philadelphia, J. B. Lippincott Co., 1S95. 2 v. Svo. 
Consult index under Steuben. E207.L2T8 

88. Trevelyan, Sir George O. The American revolution. New ed. New 

York, Longmans, Green & Co., 1905. 3 v. Svo. 

See index under Steuben, Baron von. EjoS.TSj 

89. Trumbull, Jonathan. The Trumbull papers, pt. 1-4. 

(In Massachusetts historical society. Collections. Boston, 1885- 
1902. Svo. ser. 5, v. g-io; ser. 7, v. 2-3.) 
Baron Steuben: See index, v. 10. 

F61.M41, ser. 5, V. g-io; ser. 7, v. 2-3 

90. United German societies of the District of Columbia. Souvenir program, 

unveiling of the Steuben monument, Washington, D. C, December 
7, 1910. [Washington, The Camahan press, igio.] 19 p. Svo. 

91. United States. Continental congress. Journals of the Continental con- 

gress, 1774-17S9. Ed. by Worthington C. Ford [and Gaillard Hunt]. 
Washington, Govt, print, off., 1904-1912. 21 v. 4to. 
See index of vols. 12, 18 and 21 imder Steuben. 

J10.A5, 1904, V. 12, 18, 21 

92. • Resolved that Baron Steuben be appointed to the office 

of inspector-general, Tuesday, May 5, 177S. 

(In its Journals of the American congress, from 1774 to 1788. 
Washington, 1823. Svo. v. 2, p. 539.) 
See also Journals of the Continental congress, Washington, 

1908, V. II, p. 465. J1O.A5, 1904, v. II 

93. Virginia. Calendar of Virginia state papers and other manuscripts . . . 

preserved in the Capitol at Richmond. Richmond, 1875-93. n v. 
4to. 

Baron von Steuben: v. 2, p. 2, 3, 43, 46, 50, 66, 666. 

F226.V82, V. 2 

94. governor, 1781. (Thomas Nelson.) Letters of Thomas Nelson, jr. 

Richmond, Virginia historical society, 1S74. 71 p. 4to. (Pub- 
lications of the Virginia historical society. New series, no. i.) 

The letters, which include all those of Governor Nelson that could 
be found in the archives of the State, relate chiefly to the 
Yorktown campaign of 1781, and are here published for the 
first time. Of interest in connection with the Virginia cam- 
paign of 1780-1781. F221.VS35 

95. Von dem N-Amerikan-General von Steuben. 

(In Stats- Anzeigen. Gottingen, 1783. lamo. v. 5, no. 17, p. 59-60.) 

Brief recollections by former acquaintances in Hamburg and 

Silesia. Di.SS, v. 5 

W647°— 14 15 



226 Statue of Baron von Steuben 

96. Washington, George. The writings of George Washington; being his 
correspondence, addresses, messages, and other papers, official and 
private. By Jared Sparks. New York, Harper & Bros., 1847. 12 v. 
8vo. 

Baron Steuben: v. 5, p. 349-350, 526-528. E302.W31, v. 5 

gy. The writings of George Washington. Collected and edited by 

Worthington C. Ford. New York, G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1889-1903. 
14 V. 8vo. 

See index under Steuben. 
q8. Wells, William V. The life and public services of Samuel Adams, being 
a narrative of his acts and opinions, and of his agency in producing 
and forwarding the American revolution. Boston, Little, Brown & 
Co., 1865. 3 V. 8vo. 

Baron von Steuben; See v. 3, chap. 47. E207.A2W4, v. 3 

99. Where Baron Steuben was buried. 

(In New England historical and genealogical register, 1862. Albany, 
1862. 8vo. v. 16, p. 201-202.) F1.N56, V. 16 

100. Wilson, Woodrow. A history of the American people. New York, 
Harper & Bros., 1903. 5 v. Svo. 

Baron Steuben: v. 2, p. 284, 315. E178.W77, v. 2 

loi. Winsor, Justin. Calendar of the Sparks manuscripts in Har\'ard college 
library. Cambridge, Mass., issued by the Library of Harvard Uni- 
versity, 1889. 88 p. Svo. (Library of Harvard University. Biblio- 
graphical contributions, no. 22.) 

Papers of Baron Steuben, no. xv, p. g-io. Z6621.H33SP 

102. Narrative and critical history of America. New York, Hough- 
ton, Mifflin & Co., 1884-1889. 8 v. 4to. 

See index under Steuben, Baron, in v. 6, 7, and 8. Ei8.W76,v.6-8 

103. The reader's handbook on the American revolution, 1761-1783. 

Boston, Houghton, Osgood & Co., 1880. 328 p. Svo. 

See index under Steuben. E206.W8 

104. Zuverlassige Nachrichten von dem Amerikanischen General von 

Steuben. Journal von imd fiir Deutschland, August-September, 
17S4, V. 2: 84-88. AP30.j7,v.2 



INDEX 

By the Office of the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office. 



Pace 

Addresses at unveiling of monument, Washington, D. C: 

Bartholdt, Hon. Richard (of Missouri) 19-28 

Bemstorff , Count Johann Heinrich von 43-45 

Hexamer, Dr. Charles J 29—41 

Taft, William Howard (President of tlie United States) 49"'5i 

Addresses at unveiling of replica, Potsdam, Germany: 

Bartholdt, Hon. Richard (of Missouri) ;.. i .....: .■ 73-74 

German Emperor 74-7S 

Albany, N. Y. , Steuben tendered freedom of city j6 

Allied German Singers of New York, serenade to Envoy Bartholdt ... 71 

American independence, achievement of 20 

American Revolution, events leading to 29 

Appropriations : 

For bronze replica of Steuben Statue 69, 174, 176, 178, 185-189 

For Steuben Statue 9, 156-157, 166-167, 

168, 170, 172-173, 178-183, 185, 191, 193 

Army regulations : 

Congress orders observance of 93-94 

Payment to Steuben for compiling 95-97 

Steuben the compiler of 23, 112, 148 

Austin, Mrs. Francis B., Steuben relics in possession of 210-212 

Banquets: 

American envoys presenting replica to German Emperor — 

Entertainment in Germany 75-77 

Reception upon retimi to United States 1 78 

Columbia Tumverein 63-64 

German-American societies 6j 

Order of the Cincinnati S9-61 

United German Alliance Committee 6i-6a 

Washington Kriegerbund 62-63 

Bartholdt, Hon. Richard (of Missouri): 
Addresses at unveiling ceremonies — 

At Potsdam , Germany 73-74 

At Washington, D. C 19-28 

Bills introduced in Congress for erection of Steuben Statue and 

replica 136, 171 

Entertainment in Germany 75-78 

Farewell reception on steamer George Washington 70 

Presentation of bronze replica to German Emperor 70, 73-75 

Remarks in Congress on Steuben and bills relating to statue . . 155-156, 

174-177,181-185 
227 



228 Index 

Page 
Benediction at unveiling ceremonies in Washington, D. C, by Rev. 

William T. Russell, D. D 52 

Bemstorff, Count Johann Heinrich von, address at unveiling ceremo- 
nies in Washington, D. C 43~4S 

Bigelow, Rev. D. W., extract from address before Oneida Historical 

Society on movement to erect monument over Steuben 's grave . . . 206-207 

Chorus at unveiling ceremonies in Washington, D. C 55 

Cincinnati, Order of the: 

Banquet at Army and Navy Club 59-61 

Insignia designed by Maj. L'Enfant for 60 

Steuben one of the founders 40, 60 

Steuben relics in possession of 212-213 

Columbia Tumverein, hosts at German kommers 63-64 

Committee on seating 59 

Congress : 

Acceptance of Steuben's resignation from the Army 109-113 

Acts passed by — 

Adjusting Steuben claims 135 

Providing for Pulaski and Steuben statues and replica 170, 186 

Appointment of Steuben as Inspector General of the Army. . . 89, 90, 106 
Appropriations — 

Bronze replica of Steuben Statue 69, 174, 176, 178, 185-189 

Steuben Statue 9, 156-157, 166, 167, 168, 

170, 172-173, 178-183, 185, 191, 193 
Army regulations — 

Order relative to observance of 93-94 

Proceedings relative to paying Steuben for compiling 9S-97 

Bill passed providing for erection of Steuben and Pulaski statues . 163 , 

166—170 
Bills introduced by Hon. Richard Bartholdt (of Missouri) for Steu- 
ben Statue and replica 136, 171 

Claims of Steuben for expenses incurred, congressional reports 

and resolutions on payment for 99-101, 106-135 

Commendation of Steuben's system of military order and dis- 
cipline 9S 

Committee appointed to confer with Steuben about service in 

Continental Army 86, 141-142 

Conference with Steuben relative to the German volunteers 90 

Extracts relating to Steuben — 

From Annals and Journals of 117-135 

From Congressional Record 136-198 

Gen. Sullivan, Steuben requested to aid 89 

Plan of Steuben for Department of Inspector General 91-93. 

103, 105-106 

Proceedings in 83-198 

Remarks on Steuben and bills relating to statue — 

Hon. Richard Bartholdt (of Missouri) 155-136. i74-i77. 181-185 

Hon. Charles W. Fairbanks (of Indiana) 165-166 



Index 229 

Paic 

Congress — Continued. 

Remarks on Steuben and bills relating to statue — Continued. 

Hon. J. A. Hemenway (of Indiana) 158-163 

Hon. James R. Mann (of Illinois) 69-78 

Hon. John Page (of Virginia) 128-130 

Hon. William Sulzer (of New York) 149-135 

Reports on bills relative to erection of Pulaski and Steuben stat- 
ues, and replica 137-149, 164-165, 172, 178 

Resolutions and reports in Congress providing for printing of 

proceedings at unveiling of Steuben Statue 190-198 

Southern Department, Steuben directed to repair to 104 

Sword presented to Steuben 26, 39, 112, 125, 149 

Thanks extended to Steuben for services 39i 86, 111-112, 

124-125, 149, 162 
Continental Army: 

Divisions of S'Sit '43 

Military discipline 23, 33-341 44-45. iS4 

Continental Congress, extracts relating to Steuben from Journals of ... . 85-1 16 

Comwallis, Lieut. Gen. Charles, capitulation at Yorktown 24 

Counterfeit money, British circulation of 34 

Daughters of American Revolution : 

Commemorative exercises at grave of Steuben 207 

Gift of bronze marker on Steuben's grave 207 

Reception in New York to Hon. Richard Bartholdt (of Missouri) . . 70 
Delegations attending unveiling ceremonies in Washington, D. C: 

From Kriegerbunds 63 

From New York 59 

Description of statue ii-i» 

Engineer and Artillery Corps, created by Steuben 44 

Exercises at unveiling ceremonies in Washington, D. C, order of j6 

Fairbanks, Hon. Charles W. (of Indiana), remarks on bill for erection 

of Pulaski and Steuben statues 165-166 

Franklin, Benjamin: 

Advice to Steuben 21, 31 

Recognition of Steuben's interest in American colonies 30 

Frederick the Great: 

Steuben a pupil of 22, 151 

Treaty of commerce with the United States 43 

German-American societies, banquet of 62 

German citizenship 51 

German Emperor: 

Presentation of bronze replica to 73 

Reception and entertainment of American envoys presenting 

replica 75-77 

Reply to speech of Hon. Richard Bartholdt (of Missouri) 74-75 

Telegram sent to President Taft upon unveiling of monument at 

Potsdam 76 

Gennan press comment 65, 78-81 



230 Index 

Page 

German Society of New York, Steuben one of the foimders of 40 

German volunteers, Congressional resolution raising new corps of 

troops by name of 90 

Germany, friendship with the United States 43-44, 7°, 73, 74, 76, 175 

Gerth, Mrs. Ottelie, mascot of Twentieth Turner Regiment of New 

York 63-64 

Hamilton, Alexander: 

Report on Steuben's memorial 117-127 

Witnesses Steuben's leadership at Battle of Monmouth 37, 50 

Hancock, John, entertainment of Steuben 141, 153, 160 

Hemenway, Hon. J. A. (of Indiana), brief remarks in Congress on 

life of Steuben 15S-163 

Hexamer, Dr. Charles J., address at unveiling ceremonies in Washing- 
ton, D. C 29-41 

History of statue 9-1 1 

See also Congress. 

Infantry, Light, Steuben the inventor of 38 

Inspector General, Department of, plan of Steuben for. .. . 91-93, 103, 105-106 
Invocation, at unveiling ceremonies in Washington, D. C, by Rev. 

Charles F. Steck, D. D 17-18 

Jaegers, Albert: 

Biographical sketch 14 

Description of statue ii-ij 

Presentation to German Emperor 75 

Kapp, Friedrich, extracts from "The Life of Frederick William von 

Steuben" 202, 204-205 

Kriegerbunds : 

Banquet given by Washington Kriegerbund 62-63 

Delegations attending unveiling ceremonies in Washington, 

D.C 63 

L'Enfant, Maj. Pierre Charles: 

Insignia designed for Order of the Cincinnati 60 

Letter from Steuben 60 

Lithuanians, citizenship in United States 15S 

Location of statue 9, 1 2-14, 56 

Mann, Hon. James R. (of Illinois), remarks in Congress on presentation 

of Steuben replica to German Emperor 69-78 

Members of statue commission. See Steuben Statue Commission. 

Military Academy, West Point, suggested by Steuben 39 

Minute Men, entertainment of 62-63 

Models for statue submitted 9 

Monmouth, Battle of, influence of Steuben at 37, 5° 

National Museum, Washington, D. C, Steuben relics in possession 

of 213-214 

New York City, Steuben tendered freedom of 26 

New York Historical Society, Steuben's papers in archives of . . . 6, 32, 38, 213 
Newspaper comment 53-65, 78-81 



Index 231 

Page 
North, Col. William: 

Extract from biographical sketch of Steuben 161 

Steuben memorial tablet presented by 202-203 

Steuben relics bequeathed to 210-212 

Northeastern Singers' Association, participation in unveiling cere- 
monies in Washington, D. C 55> $6 

Oneida Historical Society, Utica, N. Y. : 

Cooperation in restoration of Steuben's grave 207 

Steuben relics in possession of 212 

Page, Hon. John (of Virginia), remarks in Congress on Steuben's 

services and claims therefor 128-130 

Parade at unveiling ceremonies in Washington, D. C, formation of ... . 57-58 

Poles, citizenship in United States 157-158 

Potsdam, Germany: 

Presentation of bronze replica to German Emperor 69-81 

Suitability of location for Steuben Statue 71 

Pulaski, Count Casimir: 

Provisions for erection of statue 163, 166-170 

Senate report in Fifty-seventh Congress relative to statue 164-165 

Replica of Steuben Statue. See Steuben Statue, replica. 

Revolutionary interest attached to location for statue 13 

Russell, Rev. William T., D. D., benediction at unveiling cere- 
monies in Washington, D. C 52 

Sculptor. See Jaegers, Albert. 

Secretary of War, application of Steuben refused for position of 39 

Steck, Rev. Charles F., D. D., invocation at unveiling ceremonies 

in Washington, D. C 17-18 

Steuben, Baron Frederick William Augustus Henry Ferdinand von: 
Acts passed by Congress — 

Adjusting claims of 135 

Providing for erection of statue and replica 170, 186 

Admiration of Gen. Washington for 24 

Advice of Benjamin Franklin 21, 31 

Albany tendered freedom of city to 26 

Army regulations — 

Compiler of 23, 112, 148 

Congress orders observance of 93~94 

Payment for compiling 95~97 

Arrival in America 21, 22, 117, 141, 152 

Battle of Monmouth, influence at 37i 50 

Bibliography 217-226 

Bills introduced in Congress by Hon. Richard Bartholdt (of 

Missouri) for erection of statue and replica 136, 171 

Biographical sketches 19-28, 31-41, 43-45, 

49-51. 137-149. 150-155. 15S-163 

Birth 31, 138, 151 

Burial place 27, 41, 70, 201-207 

Capitulation offered by Cornwallis to 24 



232 Index 



Page 

Steuben, Baron Frederick William Augustus Henry Ferdinand von — 
Continued. 

Citizenship of 40 

Claims for expenses incurred, congressional reports and resolutions 

on payment for 99-101, 106-135 

Coat of arms of the Steuben family 214 

Commendation by Gen. Washington 6, 26-27, 3^1 4S> 

50-5I7 87, 148, 154, 161-162 
Committee of Congress appointed to confer about service in Conti- 
nental Army 86, 141-142 

Conference relative to the German volunteers 90 

Congressional resolution of commendation relative to military order 

and discipline of 95 

Control over Army supplies 23 

Death 27, 41 

Description of visit made by Rev. John Taylor to house and 

grave of 202-203 

Early training 21, 31, 49, 138, 151 

Engineer and Artillery Corps, created by 44 

Entertained by John Hancock 141, 153, 160 

Extracts relating to — 

From address by Rev. D. W. Bigelow on movement to erect 

monument at grave of 206-207 

From Annals and Journals of Congress 117-135 

From Congressional Record 136-198 

From Journals of Continental Congress 85-116 

From "The Life of Frederick William von Steuben," by 

Friedrich Kapp 202, 204-205 

"Father of the American Army" 3=1 41 

Founder of — 

German Society of New York 40 

Order of the Cincinnati 40, 60 

Genius of 36 

Gold box presented to 26 

Independent command in Army refused by Congress 24 

Inspector General, Department of, plan for 9i-93i io3) 105-106 

Inspector General of the Army 34, 87, 88, 89, 90, 93, 

103, 106, 148, 154-155 

Inventor of formation of light infantry 38 

Land granted for services to 26, 40 

Letters from 6,60, 85, 108, 109, 112, 

121,122-124,141,152-153,159-160 

Master mind of 20 

Memorial tablet given by Col. William North 204-205 

Memorials 201-214 

Military academy suggested 39 

Military' discipline and knowledge 20-21,23, 31-32, 

35-38, 44-45, 49-50. 87, 95. 129-130. 
138, 146-147, 151, 154, 159, 160-161 



Index 233 

Page 

Steuben, Baron Frederick William Augustus Henry Ferdinand von— 
Continued. 

Motives for aiding colonists 30, 49, 86, 121, 122, 152-153 

New York tendered freedom of city to 26 

Offers services to Congress 22, 85, 121, 141, 152-153, 159-160 

Papers preserved in archives of New York Historical Society 6, 

32,38,213 

Pennsylvania conferred honorary citizenship on 26 

Pension for 26, 116, 126-127, 128, 131-135 

Portraits and relics 209-214 

Pupil of Frederick the Great 22, 151 

Raising troops in Virginia 23-24 

Reception by Gen. Washington 22 

Regent of University of New York 40 

Remarks in Congress, on life, services, and statue, by — 

Hon. Richard Bartholdt (of Missouri) iSS^'S^, 174-177, 181-185 

Hon. Charles W. Fairbanks (of Indiana) 165-166 

Hon. J. A. Hemenway (of Indiana) 158-163 

Hon. James R. Mann (of Illinois) 69-78 

Hon. John Page (of Virginia) • 128-130 

Hon. William Sulzer (of New York) 149-155 

Report from Alexander Hamilton on memorial of 11 7-127 

Requested to aid Gen. Sullivan in Rhode Island 89 

Resignation from Army 39, 108-1 13, 149, 162 

Secretary of War, application refused for position of 39 

Southern Department, directed to repair to 104 

Spelling of name 85 

Swords presented to 26, 39, 112, 125, 149 

Thanks of Congress extended to 39,86, 111-112, 124-125, 149, 162 

Will of 20I-202 

Yorktown, participation at 38 

Steuben Statue: 

Act of Congress providing for erection at Washington, D. C 170 

Appropriations for 9, 156-157, 166-167, '68, 

170, 172-173, 178-183, 185, 191, 193 
Bills and reports in Congress relative to erection of 136, 

I37-I49> 163-170 

History 9-n 

Location 9, 12-14, 56 

Models submitted g 

Resolutions and reports in Congress providing for printing of pro- 
ceedings at unveiling of 190-198 

Steuben Statue Commission, members of 8 

Steuben Statue, replica: 

Act providing for erection of 186 

Appropriations for 69, 174, 176, 178, 185-189 

Bill introduced in Congress, with remarks, by Hon. Richard 
Bartholdt (of Missouri) for erection of 171, 174-178 



234 Index 

Page 

Steuben Statue, replica — Continued. 

Extract from message of President Taft relative to presentation 

to German Emperor 196 

Presentation at Potsdam, Germany 60-81 

Reports on bill for erection of 172, 178 

Sulzer, Hon. William (of New York), remarks in Congress on Steuben 

and services rendered by him 149-155 

Taft, Miss Helen, unveiling of statue 47i S^ 

Taft, William Howard (President of the United States): 

Address at unveiling ceremonies in Washington, D. C 49~5^ 

Extract from message relative to presentation of Steuben replica 

to German Emperor 196 

Telegram in response to message from German Emperor 76 

Taylor, Rev. John, description of visit made to Steuben's house and 

grave 202-203 

Thompson, James Sweeney, Steuben relics in possession of 213 

Tumvereins, representation at unveiling ceremonies in Washington, 

D. C 64 

United German Alliance Committee, entertainment by Washington 

Chamber of Commerce 61-62 

Unveiling ceremonies: 

Potsdam, Germany, September 2, 1911 71-81 

Washington, D. C, December 7, 1910 10, 15-52 

Washington, Gen. George: 

Commendation of Steuben's services 6,26-27,38,45, 

50-51, 87, 148, 154, 161-162 

Letters from 6, 26-27, 87, 148, 162 

Reception of Steuben 22 

Washington, D. C, unveiling ceremonies, December 7, igio 10, 15-52 

Washington Chamber of Commerce, hosts to United German Alliance 

Committee 61-62 

Washington Kriegerbund, banquet of 62-63 

Wolflram, Hon. Charles B.: 

Dinner given to Hon. Richard Bartholdt (of Missouri) in Ger- 
many 77 

Presentation of bronze replica to German Emperor 7°, 75 

Reception by German Emperor 75 

Yorktown, Va. , services rendered by Steuben at 38 



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